DE102019211113A1 - Charging station for charging an electricity storage unit in an electric vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a charging column (14) for charging an electricity storage unit (8) of an electric vehicle (2), having a housing (16) on which a feed device (18) is arranged on the outside, which is electrically connected to one in the housing (16) Power supply unit (26) is connected, and with a control unit (28) arranged in the housing (16). An expansion interface (30) for the detachable connection of a module (32) is introduced into the housing (16). The invention also relates to a charging column system (12) with a charging column (14).

Description

The invention relates to a charging column for charging an electricity storage device of an electric vehicle. The charging column comprises a housing on which a feed device is arranged on the outside, which is electrically connected to a power supply unit arranged in the housing. The invention also relates to a charging column system with such a charging column.

A charging station is usually used to charge a power storage unit of an electric vehicle, in particular a high-voltage battery. This has a feed device on the outside, which is plugged into a corresponding plug of the electric vehicle, for example. As an alternative to this, the feed device itself is designed as a plug into which a line is plugged, which in turn is connected to the electric vehicle. Different standards are used depending on the design of the feed device.

The charging column itself is designed to be stationary, for example, and is electrically connected to a supply network. Thus, an essentially unlimited number of charging processes can be carried out by means of the charging column, and maintenance is essentially not required, or only to a comparatively small extent. In this case, however, it is necessary that a corresponding connection of the supply network is available at the desired location of the charging station, so that mostly construction work has to be carried out first. This increases manufacturing costs.

An alternative embodiment therefore provides for the charging station to be designed to be mobile. In this case, there is only a mechanical connection between the charging station and the ground or another stationary object. The charging column itself has an energy store, from which the electric vehicle's power store is fed when it is in operation. Once the energy storage of the mobile charging station has been learned, it is necessary to dismantle it and to take it to an appropriate charging point for recharging. Thus, an operating cost is increased. However, it is possible to change the location of the mobile charging station depending on the prevailing requirements and thus to set up the mobile charging station in different positions during its operating time.

Usually, regardless of their design, the charging stations only have the function of charging the power storage of the motor vehicle. Out EP 2 549 618 A2 however, a charging station is known which has a plurality of feed devices for charging electric vehicles. The charging station also includes several components that are permanently connected to the housing, such as cameras, displays, lights and vending machines.

The invention is based on the object of specifying a particularly suitable charging column and a particularly suitable charging column system as well as a particularly suitable module, advantageously increasing flexibility and / or area of use.

With regard to the charging column, this object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 1, with regard to the charging column system by the features of claim 10 and with regard to the module by the features of claim 11. Advantageous further developments and refinements are the subject of the respective subclaims.

The charging station is used to charge an electricity storage device in an electric vehicle. The electric vehicle is, for example, a bicycle that includes an electric motor. In particular, the bicycle is designed as a so-called pedelec. Alternatively, the electric vehicle is, for example, an electrically powered scooter or an electrically powered motorcycle. However, the electric vehicle is particularly preferably an electrically operated motor vehicle, in particular a passenger car (passenger car). This expediently has an electric motor which is in operative connection with the wheels of the motor vehicle. Here, the electric motor at least partially forms a main drive of the motor vehicle.

The power store is formed, for example, by means of one or more capacitors or includes them. Particularly preferably, however, the power storage device comprises one or more batteries and is expediently formed by means of these. The power storage device is preferably a so-called high-voltage battery, that is to say a high-voltage energy storage device, by means of which an electrical voltage greater than 200 V is provided. In particular, the electrical voltage provided is between 400 V and 800 V.

The charging column has a housing that is made, for example, from a metal. Damage to components arranged in the housing is thus prevented. The housing is preferably in the assembled state electrically to earth, preferably to earth. The housing expediently has corresponding connections for this purpose. Thus, during operation, the electrical potential of the housing is equal to ground. As a result, there is no risk of personal injury if they touch the housing. The housing is, for example, essentially cuboid, which facilitates transport and manufacture. Assembly is also simplified.

A power supply unit is arranged in the housing, by means of which, in particular, an electrical voltage is provided. In other words, a certain electrical voltage is applied to the power supply unit. The power supply unit is electrically connected to a feed device which is arranged on the outside of the housing. In other words, the feed device is supplied by means of the power supply unit. The feed device is provided in particular by means of a charging plug, that is to say in particular a charging coupling, which is fastened directly to the housing and which protrudes from the housing. To charge the electric vehicle's power store, a corresponding line, for example a cable, is plugged into the plug of the feed device. As an alternative to this, the feed device comprises a cable which is fastened to the housing and in which several strands or the like are guided. The charging plug is arranged at the remaining end. It is thus possible to plug the charging plug of the feed device into a corresponding plug of the electric vehicle.

The feed device, in particular any charging plug, expediently meets a certain standard, for example type 1 or type 2. For example, an alternating current is provided during operation by means of the power supply unit, so that an alternating current is also applied to the feed device. Particularly preferably, however, a direct current is provided by means of the power supply unit, so that a direct voltage is applied to the feed device. In other words, the charging station is used for DC charging. The electrical voltage provided by means of the power supply unit and the electrical current supplied with it are preferably adapted to the power storage of the electric vehicle. In particular, an electrical direct voltage of 400 V or 800 V is provided by means of the power supply unit.

Furthermore, the charging column comprises a control unit which is arranged in the housing. The control unit expediently comprises a number of electrical and / or electronic components by means of which a circuit is implemented so that a specific function is performed during operation. The control unit has, for example, a processor which is designed in particular to be programmable. For example, the control unit is formed by means of the processor. The control unit suitably comprises a user-specific circuit (ASIC) or is formed by means of it.

The control unit expediently operates the charging station and / or carries out certain functions. For example, the power supply unit is set by means of the control unit so that the respective electrical voltage is applied to the feed device. In particular, an electrical current flow from the power supply unit to the feed device is interrupted if no electric vehicle is connected to the feed device. Thus, security is increased. Alternatively or particularly preferably in combination with this, the control unit records an amount of energy which is transmitted from the power supply unit to the electric vehicle for charging. The amount of energy is preferably output on any display, which is thus controlled accordingly by means of the control unit. Alternatively or in combination with this, the amount of energy delivered is billed to any user of the charging station by means of the control unit.

The charging station furthermore comprises an expansion interface which is introduced into the housing. In other words, the expansion interface forms a connection between the outside of the housing and the inside of the housing and thus at least partially forms the outer boundary of the charging station. The expansion interface is used for the detachable connection of a module. If the module is connected to the expansion interface, it is preferably located on the outside of the housing, so that assembly of the module is simplified.

Due to the module, it is possible to provide a charging column system that has the charging column and the module that is detachably connected to the expansion interface. In addition to charging the electricity storage device of the electric vehicle, the charging column system takes on a further function, namely the function or the functions that are provided by means of the module. Using different modules, it is possible to carry out different functions. For this it is only necessary to exchange the corresponding modules for one another. As a result, it is possible, by means of the modules, to respond to corresponding requirements for the charging station or the charging station system and thus to expand the functionality accordingly. If the function provided by means of the module is not required or at least not required for a foreseeable period of time, it is therefore possible to remove the module from the charging column and, for example, to use it at a further location. Flexibility is thus increased. It is also not necessary to manufacture the charging station with all conceivable functions. Rather, it is possible to subsequently adapt the charging station system to the current requirements using the respective module. As a result, manufacturing costs are reduced, and flexibility and range of use are increased. It is also possible, for example, to exchange the module if this is damaged. A complete replacement of the charging station is not necessary, which reduces operating costs.

The charging station suitably has several such expansion interfaces, that is to say two, three, four or more expansion interfaces, to each of which a corresponding module can be detachably connected. It is thus possible to carry out a function more intensively or to provide further functions by means of the charging column system formed in this way, which further increases the area of application.

For example, the expansion interface is located on a side wall of the housing. Particularly preferably, however, the expansion interface, expediently all expansion interfaces or at least some of the expansion interfaces, if several are present, are introduced into an (upper) cover of the housing. In the assembled state, the cover is expediently oriented essentially horizontally. In other words, the expansion interfaces are located on the upper side with respect to the housing. Here, the feed device is preferably arranged on a side wall of the housing. Due to the above positioning of the expansion interface, there is no impairment of the user by means of this and any module connected to it, if he wishes to use the feed device. Thus, comfort is increased.

For example, the or each module has a separate energy supply. Particularly preferably, however, the module is supplied with energy by means of the expansion interface, at least partially, during operation. For this purpose, the expansion interface has a power supply interface which, in particular, has two connections, each of the connections being subjected to a different electrical potential. In particular, the electrical potential is variable over time or particularly preferably constant over time. In other words, an electrical direct voltage is provided by means of the power supply interface. The power supply interface particularly preferably comprises a ground connection and / or a connection for a protective conductor. Thus, security is increased. The power supply interface thus expediently has four connections that are electrically isolated from one another, namely the two with the different electrical potentials and the ground connection and the connection for the protective conductor, which increases flexibility and safety. As an alternative to this, the power supply interface is formed, for example, only by means of the two connections (contacts) which have mutually electrically different potentials, which are for example variable over time or particularly preferably constant over time.

For example, the power supply interface is routed to a separate energy store or a separate power supply unit of the charging station. Particularly preferably, however, the power supply interface is electrically connected to the power supply unit. The power supply unit thus serves both to supply the feed device and to supply the power supply interface. As a result, few components are required, which reduces the manufacturing costs of the charging station. Installation space is also reduced.

For example, with the power supply interface at the power supply interface, the same electrical voltage is provided that is also provided at the feed device. Particularly preferably, however, a voltage converter is electrically arranged between the power supply unit and the power supply interface. The voltage converter is, for example, a step-up converter, a step-down converter, a transformer or comprises at least one of these components. Alternatively or in combination with this, the voltage converter comprises a rectifier and / or an inverter. By means of the voltage converter, it is possible to convert the electrical voltage provided by means of the power supply unit into a desired electrical voltage, so that the requirements for the module are reduced. For example, a reduced electrical voltage is provided by means of the expansion interface. For example, the electrical voltage provided at the power supply interface is less than 200 V, less than 100 V or less than 50 V. This means that the safety requirements for the module are reduced, which is why manufacturing costs are reduced. It is also not necessary for the module to have its own voltage converter, which reduces the production costs of the module. The weight of the module is also reduced, which makes assembly easier.

For example, only a single electrical voltage is provided by means of the voltage converter, for example 230 V or 110 V. However, the voltage converter is particularly preferably designed such that a variable electrical voltage can be provided by means of it. In other words, the voltage converter is adjustable. It is thus possible to adapt the electrical voltage applied to the power supply interface to the respective module, which further increases flexibility. It is also possible to use different modules that are operated using different electrical voltages will. It is not necessary here for each module to have a separate voltage converter, which would increase manufacturing costs. For example, the voltage converter is coupled to an operating element so that the voltage converter can be set manually. In combination or particularly preferably as an alternative to this, the voltage converter is set by means of the control unit. In other words, the voltage converter is set by means of the control unit during operation. Manual operation of the charging station is therefore not required, which increases convenience.

If several further interfaces are present, a voltage converter is assigned to each, for example, so that the electrical voltage applied to each of the power supply interfaces can be set separately. However, there is preferably only a single voltage converter, and the electrical voltage thus applied to the expansion interfaces is the same everywhere. Fewer components are therefore required, which reduces manufacturing costs.

For example, the power supply interface is designed to be unidirectional. It is possible to supply the connected module with electrical energy via the power supply interface. As an alternative to this, it is possible, for example, to feed electrical energy from the module into the charging station via the power interface. The power supply interface is particularly preferably designed to be bidirectional. Different modules can thus be connected, the charging column being supplied with power by means of one type of module, whereas another type of module is supplied with electrical energy by the charging column by means of the expansion interface, namely the power supply interface. Flexibility is thus further increased.

The expansion interface preferably has a communication interface. The communication interface is used to exchange data between the charging station and the module. For example, all communication interfaces of the charging column are connected to one another for signaling purposes if the charging column has several such expansion interfaces. As a result, the modules can communicate with each other via the communication interface if several modules are connected to the charging station. The communication interface is particularly preferably connected to the control unit in terms of signals. This enables the control unit to communicate with any connected module and forms a communication system. The control unit preferably serves in particular as a master in a possible master / slave communication system, the module being designed as a slave. If several modules are connected, these are especially designed as slaves. Due to the use of the control unit as a master, a configuration of the communication system is simplified. The combination system, that is to say also the communication interface, preferably fulfills a specific standard, preferably a bus system standard. A CAN bus system or a Flexray bus system is particularly preferred as the bus system.

The voltage converter, which is set by means of the control unit, is also suitably present. When the module is installed, the control unit is informed in particular via the communication interface which electrical voltage is required to supply the module. The voltage converter is then set by means of the control unit according to the requirements of the module. Thus, comparatively few manual steps are required when assembling the module, which increases convenience. Incorrect setting is also essentially excluded, which increases safety and reliability.

For example, in the assembled state, the module is only placed on the expansion interface. A comparatively simple assembly and disassembly of the module is thus possible. Particularly preferably, however, the expansion interface has a lock. This prevents the module from being accidentally detached from the charging station, which prevents injuries to bystanders. Unauthorized dismantling of the module from the charging station is also prevented. The lock can be operated manually, for example. Particularly preferably, however, the locking is operated by means of an actuator and is preferably designed as an electric motor, pneumatic or magnetic. Thus, by controlling the actuator, it is possible to lock the module with the extension interface. The lock is particularly preferably actuated by means of the control unit. Automation and therefore convenience are thus further increased. It is also not necessary in this way to provide additional components, which reduces manufacturing costs.

For example, the expansion interface is accessible without protection. Assembly of the module, that is to say connection of the module, is thus simplified. Preferably, however, the charging column has a cover by means of which the expansion interface is covered or at least can be covered. The cover is expediently mounted movably with respect to the expansion interface. It is particularly possible here to place the cover on the expansion interface. Any connections of the expansion interface are therefore protected from environmental influences by the cover when no module is connected. When the module is connected, the cover is moved with respect to the expansion interface so that it is freely accessible.

For example, the cover is detachably connected to the housing or the expansion interface. It is therefore necessary to first remove the cover so that the module can be connected. However, it is particularly preferred that the cover is permanently connected to the housing or the expansion interface, so that it is not lost. The cover is mounted on the housing in a transversely displaceable manner. As an alternative to this, the cover is hingedly mounted on the housing, so that the cover can be rotated / rotated by a certain angle with respect to the housing. In other words, the cover is connected to the housing by means of a hinge. Particularly preferably, however, the cover is configured so that it can be rolled up and is at least partially rolled up onto a shaft. The shaft is suitably rotatably mounted on the housing, and the cover itself is made of an elastically deformable or pliable material. As an alternative to this, the cover is made, for example, from several individual slats that are movably connected to one another. Thus, robustness is increased. The cover is preferably spring-loaded, in particular spring-loaded. In particular, the spring is used to load the cover in such a way that it is moved and arranged such that it covers the expansion interface when no other force is acting on the cover. This means that when the module is dismantled, the cover is automatically moved over the expansion interface so that it is protected. To release the expansion interface, however, it is necessary to move the cover against the spring force.

For example, the charging station is designed to be stationary. In this case, the power supply unit is expediently provided by means of a connection to a supply network or a converter which is connected or at least can be connected to the supply network. The housing of the charging column itself is expediently rigidly connected to a floor in the assembled state. For the purpose of connection, the charging column expediently has corresponding mechanical connecting elements. Due to the stationary design, a comparatively large number of charging processes for the electricity storage device of the electric vehicle is possible.

However, the charging station is particularly preferably designed to be mobile. In this case, the power supply unit expediently comprises an electrical energy store and, for example, a voltage converter, for example a converter. Particularly preferably, however, the voltage supply unit is formed by means of the electrical energy store, which reduces manufacturing costs. The electrical voltage provided by means of the electrical energy store expediently corresponds to the electrical voltage by means of which the power store of the electric vehicle is to be charged. No additional components are therefore required to adapt the electrical voltage, which reduces production costs. For example, the electrical energy store is formed by means of a capacitor, a battery or a combination thereof. Due to the mobile design of the charging station, it is possible to set it up at different locations and thus to respond to current needs. Flexibility is thus increased. It is possible to exchange the modules according to the installation site, so that different functions are provided at different locations by means of the charging column system formed from the mobile charging column and the respective closed module. The modules used differ depending on the installation site.

The charging column system has a charging column for charging a power storage unit of an electric vehicle. The charging column comprises a housing on which a feed device is arranged on the outside, which is electrically connected to a power supply unit arranged in the housing. In addition, the charging column comprises a control unit arranged in the housing, and an expansion interface for the detachable connection of a module is introduced into the housing. The charging station system has a module that is detachably connected to the expansion interface. The charging column expediently has several such expansion interfaces, and the charging column system comprises several modules which are detachably connected to the expansion interfaces, each expansion interface being assigned at most one of the modules, and the number of modules being less than or equal to the number of expansion interfaces.

For example, the module is designed as a weather station and includes a thermometer and / or a barometer. For example, the weather station includes a GPS receiver. The weather station preferably also comprises a communication module, by means of which a data connection to a remote device can be established, preferably wirelessly, in particular by radio. It is thus possible to transmit the respective weather data to a remote server via the communication module. The weather data are recorded by means of the thermometer or the barometer, and by means of the GPS receiver the position of the charging station is determined, in particular if the charging station is designed to be mobile. The communication module fulfills, for example, a WLAN or mobile radio standard, for example 3G, UMTS, LTE / 4G or 5G. For example, the thermometer, any barometer and / or the GPS receiver and the communication module are provided by means of a single module. As an alternative to this, these are each provided by means of a separate module, which are all detachably connected to an assigned expansion interface of the charging station. Due to the separate configuration, an individual configuration of the weather station is possible so that, for example, the GPS receiver can be omitted.

In a further alternative, the module provides, for example, a repeater function for a radio network, which is designed, for example, in accordance with a mobile radio standard or a WLAN standard. In this case, the module comprises a communication module, by means of which a connection to the respective radio network is established. Furthermore, the module or a further module which is connected to the module having the combination component in terms of signaling, in particular via the expansion interfaces, has a repeater. There are expediently several further modules, each of which has a repeater. Thus scalability is realized.

In a further alternative, the module acts, for example, to output audio data. For this purpose, the module has, for example, a communication module by means of which the respective audio data are received. The module or a further module, which is signal-connected to the module having the combination module, comprises a loudspeaker and expediently an amplifier. For example, there are several such modules having an amplifier and loudspeaker, so that an area covered by a sound is enlarged.

In a further alternative, the module is used, for example, to clean the air. Here again the module is expediently present that has the communication module. In addition, the module or further modules have an air quality meter, by means of which the current ambient air is analyzed. Alternatively or in combination with this, another module or the same module has an air cleaning unit. By means of this, suspended matter in particular is filtered from the ambient air during operation.

The communication module is in particular operated in accordance with a WLAN standard or a mobile radio standard, in particular 3G, UMTS or 5G. Appropriately, only a single function is provided by means of one module in each case, so that in the above-mentioned applications, one of the modules always only has the communication module. The air cleaning unit, the air quality meter, the thermometer, ... are each provided by means of a further module. This means that there is a comparatively large number of different configuration options for the charging station system. For example, the module having the communication component, the module having the air quality meter and the module having the loudspeaker and the amplifier can be used. It is thus possible, for example, to warn any passers-by acoustically if the air quality falls below a certain threshold value. In this case, it is also possible to send a message to a corresponding point via the combination module.

In a further alternative, the module has a photovoltaic module and is formed by means of it, for example. It is thus possible to feed electrical energy into the charging column, preferably its power supply unit. For example, a photovoltaic module is assigned to each of the expansion interfaces, so that the amount of energy fed in is increased. Appropriately, however, there is also a module that has the communication module. By means of this, it is possible to send a message to another point of how much electrical energy is currently being fed into the charging station.

In summary, the modules allow a large number of different configurations of the charging column system, especially if the charging column has several expansion interfaces. Thus, flexibility and an area of use are increased.

The invention also relates to a module for detachable connection to an expansion interface of a charging station. The module is suitable for this, in particular provided and set up. In particular, a specific function is provided by means of the module, the module being expediently supplied, for example by means of electrical energy, via the expansion interface, that is to say by means of the charging station. For example, the module has no energy storage, which reduces manufacturing costs. The module preferably only comprises an intermediate store for electrical energy, so that short-term power fluctuations or the like can be compensated for. In this case, the capacity of the buffer store is expediently less than 50Ah, 10Ah, 5Ah or 1Ah, which is why manufacturing costs and weight are reduced.

The advantages and developments described in connection with the charging station can also be applied to the charging station system and the module as well as to each other and vice versa.

• 1 schematisch vereinfacht ein Elektrofahrzeug und ein Ladesäulensystem, das eine Ladesäule und ein an einer Erweiterungsschnittstelle der Ladesäule lösbar angeschlossenes Modul aufweist,
• 2 in einer Draufsicht die Ladesäule, die vier Erweiterungsschnittstellen aufweist, von denen drei mittels jeweils einer Abdeckung abgedeckt sind,
• 3 in einer Draufsicht eine der Erweiterungsschnittstellen, und
• 4 eine der Abdeckungen in einer Seitenansicht.

An exemplary embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing. Show in it:

• 1 schematically simplified an electric vehicle and a charging column system, which has a charging column and a module that is detachably connected to an expansion interface of the charging column,
• 2 in a top view the charging column, which has four expansion interfaces, three of which are covered by a cover each,
• 3 one of the expansion interfaces in a plan view, and
• 4th one of the covers in a side view.

Corresponding parts are provided with the same reference symbols in all figures.

In 1 is schematically simplified an electric vehicle 2 shown in the form of a passenger car. The electric vehicle 2 has an electric motor 4th on, by means of which at least one or more of a number of wheels 6 of the motor vehicle 2 is driven. The wheels 6 are used for the contact of the electric vehicle 2 to a bottom not shown in detail. The electric motor 4th is by means of an electricity storage system 8th operated, which is designed as a high-voltage battery. By means of the electricity storage system 8th a converter, not shown, is energized, by means of which the electric motor 4th is operated. By means of the electricity storage system 8th an electrical direct voltage of 800 V is provided, which is transformed by the converter into an alternating voltage, which is used to meet the power requirements of the electric motor 4th is adapted. The electric vehicle 2 also has an electrical connector 10 on, the electric with the power storage 8th connected is. About the plug 10 it is possible to put electrical energy into the electric vehicle 2 feed and thus the power storage 8th to load.

Furthermore, in 1 a charging station system 12th with a charging station 14th shown, which has a substantially cuboid housing 16 having. The case 16 is made of a metal and, when installed, is electrically connected to ground by means of a protective conductor. Furthermore, the housing 16 attached to the floor by means of fastenings not shown in detail. The charging station 14th is designed as a mobile charging station. In other words it is possible to use the charging station 14th dismantle and transport to another location. In particular, it is only necessary here to detach the connection to the floor and, for example, to disconnect any electrical connection to the protective conductor.

On the case 16 is a feed device on the outside 18th tied that a cable 20th includes. The feeder 18th is located on a side wall of the housing 16 . To the cable 20th is a charging plug at the end 22nd the feed device 18th connected, with the charging plug 20th fulfills a certain standard, in particular that of type 1 or 2. The charging plug corresponds here 22nd to the connector 10 , and it is possible to releasably plug them into each other. The remaining end of the cable 20th is electrical with an energy store arranged in the housing 24 connected. The energy storage 24 is a high-voltage battery that provides an electrical DC voltage of 800 V. The energy storage 24 forms a power supply unit 26th the charging station 14th and is completely within the housing 16 arranged or thus protected. When inserting the charging plug 22nd in the plug 10 of the electric vehicle 2 is electrical energy from the energy storage 24 to the power storage 8th transferred so that the charging station 14th the charging of the electricity storage 8th of the electric vehicle 2 serves.

Furthermore, the charging station 14th one in the case 16 arranged control unit 28 on. Using the control unit 28 the energy transfer from the power supply is stopped 26th to the electric vehicle 2 by actuating a switch, not shown, between the power supply 26th and the feed device 18th is arranged. Thus, an injury to one is the feed device 18th operating person excluded. Also by means of the control unit 28 the amount of energy transferred is logged and presented to the user of the charging station system 12th billed.

The charging station 14th also has a total of four expansion interfaces 30th on that in the case 16 are introduced, namely the ceiling of the cuboid housing 16 , as in 2 in a top view of the charging station 14th shown. The expansion interfaces 30th are identical in construction to one another, with one of the expansion interfaces for the sake of clarity 30th the configuration and its components partly in 1 are not shown. At every expansion interface 30th is one module each 32 connectable. In the example shown, one of the expansion interfaces is on 30th a module 32 connected. However, it is also possible to connect to the other expansion interfaces 30th one module each 32 to connect. Here is the maximum number of at the charging station 14th connected module 32 equal to the number of Expansion interfaces 30th . However, it is also possible to have fewer modules 32 at the charging station 14th to connect. Each of the expansion interfaces is always there 30th at most one module at a time 32 assigned. Because of the detachable connection, it is possible to use the module 32 from the charging station 14th to dismantle, so that the charging station system 12th only by means of the charging station 14th is formed. It is also possible that module 32 to be replaced by a different module.

The charging station 14th also has four covers 34 on, with each of the covers 34 one of the expansion interfaces 30th assigned. The covers 34 serve to cover the respective expansion interface 30th if no module 32 is connected to this. This is what the covers are for 34 regarding the respective expansion interface 30th movably mounted, and can therefore be removed from this. If the module 32 at one of the expansion interfaces 30th is to be connected, it is therefore necessary to use the associated cover 34 regarding the expansion interface 30th to move. By means of the cover 34 is the respective expansion interface 30th Protected against contamination and other environmental influences, if no module 32 is mounted.

Any expansion interface 30th has a lock 36 on that by means of the control unit 28 is actuated. The lock 36 includes an electrically operated actuator, by means of which, when energized, a latch with the assigned module 32 is created. If so the lock 36 is activated, is a release of the module 32 from the charging station 14th not possible. Only when using the control unit 28 the lock 36 has been deactivated, the module 32 from the charging station 14th removed. This is an unauthorized or unintentional removal of the module 32 prevented.

Any expansion interface 30th furthermore comprises a communication interface 38 signaling with the control unit 28 connected is. Thus there is a data exchange between the control unit 28 and any at the charging station 14th connected modules 32 via the respective communication interface 38 possible. This creates a communication system that works according to the CAN bus system standard. This is where the control unit functions 28 as a master, and the individual modules 32 each form a slave. The communication system is therefore essentially independent of which and how many modules 32 are connected. This is because these only function as slaves, whereas by means of the control unit acting as master 28 the communication on the communication system is specified.

In addition, each expansion interface 30th a bidirectional power supply interface 40 on. The power supply interface 40 is electrical with a voltage converter 42 connected, which is a step-up converter, a step-down converter or a combination thereof. In addition, the voltage converter 42 in an alternative, a converter not shown in detail. The voltage converter 42 itself is electrical with the power unit 26th , namely the energy storage 24 , connected. Thus is the power supply interface 40 electrically with the power supply unit 26th connected. By means of the voltage converter 42 is it possible to connect to the power supply interface 40 to adjust the applied electrical voltage, so that the electrical voltage applied there differs from the means of the energy store 24 provided electrical voltage deviates.

The voltage converter 42 is by means of the control unit 28 set. If the module 32 at the expansion interface 30th is connected via the communication interface 38 to the control unit 28 communicated which supply voltage is required. As a result, by means of the control unit 28 the voltage converter 42 controlled in such a way that the desired electrical voltage at the power supply interface 40 is applied. The module is then supplied with current 32 by means of the power supply unit 26th . Due to the power supply interface 40 is therefore a separate power supply for the module 32 not mandatory.

A variant not shown in detail is the module 32 designed as a photovoltaic module, what about the communication interface 38 also to the control unit 28 communicated. Using the module 32 is electrical energy in the charging station 14th is fed in. Due to the bidirectional power supply interface 40 electrical energy thus flows to the voltage converter 42 , by means of which the provided electrical energy for feeding into the energy storage 24 is transformed appropriately.

Any expansion interfaces 30th also includes a protective conductor 44 that is led against the ground. A reference potential is therefore always available there, and security requirements can be met.

In a variant not shown in detail, there are a total of four modules 32 mounted, using one of the modules 32 a thermometer, by means of another of the modules 32 a barometer, by means of another of the modules 32 a GPS receiver and by means of the last of the modules 32 a communication module is formed. This is due to the communication interfaces 38 a communication of individual modules 32 are possible with each other, and by means of the communication module, the additional modules 32 transmitted data to a remote recipient. In a further alternative there are at least two or more modules 32 present, with one of the modules 32 in turn forms the communication module. The other modules 32 are repeaters for a radio network that works, for example, according to a WLAN standard or a cellular standard. In this case, the data required to expand the radio network are received from or sent to a further communication participant by means of the communication module. This is done by means of the charging station system 12th a local reinforcement of a corresponding radio network.

Another alternative is again by means of one of the modules 32 the combination module is formed, whereas the other module or modules 32 are each formed by means of a loudspeaker and an amplifier. This makes it possible, for example at large events, to fill a room area with sound or to make announcements. In a further alternative, one of the modules is also expedient 32 designed as a communication module. Another of the modules 32 is designed as an air quality meter and another as an air cleaning unit. It is thus possible to first check whether there are hazardous substances in the ambient air and, if necessary, to filter them out. Here, for example, the air cleaning unit is activated as a function of a corresponding signal received by means of the communication module. Another alternative is the modules 32 designed as photovoltaic modules, so that a charging of the energy storage 24 he follows.

In 3 Figure 3 is a plan view of one of the expansion interfaces 30th shown with the respective associated cover 34 can be covered with regard to the expansion interface 30th is movably mounted. The cover shows this 34 a flat structure 46 on, along two parallel guide rails 48 is led. Between the two guide rails 48 is the extension interface 30th . The protective conductor 44 is by means of a parallel to the guide rails 48 extending connector formed in that direction along the full lengths of the expansion interface 30th and a lateral limitation of the extension interface 30th forms. A first connection is mirror-symmetrical to this 50 the power supply interface 40 arranged, thus limiting the expansion interface 30th on the opposite side, and parallel to the guide rails 48 is arranged. The first connection 40 is electrically connected to ground by means of the voltage converter 42 is provided. The power supply interface 40 also has a second connection 52 on that is parallel to the first port 50 is arranged, which, however, has less than half its extent along the course. The second connection 42 is also with the voltage converter 42 electrically contacted, and during operation there was between the first connection 15 and the second connection 42 an electrical potential difference.

Adjacent to the second port 52 is the communication interface 38 arranged, the a third connection 54 and a fourth connection 56 and is formed by means of this. The third and fourth ports 54 , 56 are also parallel to the guide rails 48 arranged and have essentially the same extent as the second connection 52 on. The second connection 52 , the third port 54 and the fourth port 56 are arranged congruently to one another and to one another and to the first connection 50 as well as to the protective conductor 44 electrically isolated. Between the first connection 50 and the protective conductor 44 is also the lock 36 positioned, which is thus at the end of the second, third and fourth connection 20th , 54 , 56 is located.

When connecting the module 32 to the expansion interface 30th becomes the fabric 46 regarding the expansion interface 30th moved so that first the first connection 50 as well as the protective conductor 44 to be partially released. The fabric becomes 46 by means of the module 32 moved away, and electrical contact is already made with the first connection 50 as well as the protective conductor 44 . As a result, is on the module 32 a defined electrical potential is present and any electrical charges are dissipated. Thus, security is increased. If the module is inserted again 32 electrical contact is made with the second connection 52 as well as a signal-related contacting of the third and fourth connection 54 , 56 . Once the module 32 is completely connected, i.e. pushed in, is done by means of the control unit 28 the lock 36 actuated, and via the communication interface 38 the required electrical voltage and the required electrical power are communicated. Depending on this, the control unit 28 the voltage converter 42 adjusted accordingly.

When dismantling the module 32 a corresponding signal is sent to the charging station 14th transmitted, for example via a not shown web interface, a backend, or a switch. This is followed by the control unit 28 the voltage converter 42 switched off and thus the power supply for the module 32 . This is followed by the locking 36 operated, so the module 32 no longer mechanically at the charging station 14th is held. The module 32 removed manually. When this is done, the sheet becomes 46 the cover 34 again via the expansion interface 30th proceed so that it is protected.

In 4th is part of a side sectional view of one of the covers 34 shown. The cover 34 exhibits the fabric 46 on that on a role 58 is at least partially wound. The flat structure 46 is formed by means of an elastic material or several slats arranged parallel to one another and pivotable. The role 58 is spring-loaded so that when the fabric is not held in place 46 this off the roll 58 is handled. This means that if the module 32 is not present along the guide rails 48 emotional. In an embodiment not shown in detail are along the guide rails 48 Arranged springs, by means of which the fabric 46 along the guide rails 48 off the roll 58 is handled, provided that there is no corresponding counterforce on the fabric 46 , which by means of the module 32 or when assembling the module 32 is exercised.

The invention is not restricted to the exemplary embodiment described above. Rather, other variants of the invention can also be derived from this by the person skilled in the art without departing from the subject matter of the invention. In particular, all of the individual features described in connection with the exemplary embodiment can also be combined with one another in other ways without departing from the subject matter of the invention.

List of reference symbols

2

Electric vehicle

4th

Electric motor

6th

wheel

8th

Power storage

10

plug

12

Charging station system

14th

Charging station

16

casing

18th

Feeding device

20th

electric wire

22nd

Charging plug

24

Energy storage

26th

Power supply unit

28

Control unit

30th

Expansion interface

32

module

34

cover

36

Locking

38

Communication interface

40

Power supply interface

42

Voltage converter

44

Protective conductor

46

Fabrics

48

Guide rail

50

first connection

52

second connection

54

third connection

56

fourth port

58

role

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was 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.

Patent literature cited

• EP 2549618 A2 [0005]

Claims (11)

Charging column (14) for charging an electricity storage device (8) of an electric vehicle (2), with a housing (16) on which a feed device (18) is arranged on the outside, which is electrically connected to a power supply unit (26) arranged in the housing (16) is connected, and to a control unit (28) arranged in the housing (16), an expansion interface (30) for the detachable connection of a module (32) being introduced into the housing (16). Charging station (14) Claim 1 , characterized in that the expansion interface (30) has a power supply interface (40) which is electrically connected to the power supply unit (26). Charging station (14) Claim 2 , characterized in that a voltage converter (42) is electrically arranged between the power supply unit (26) and the power supply interface (40). Charging station (14) Claim 3 , characterized in that the voltage converter (42) is set by means of the control unit (28). Charging column (14) after one of the Claims 2 to 4th , characterized in that the power supply interface (40) is designed to be bidirectional. Charging column (14) after one of the Claims 1 to 5 , characterized in that the expansion interface (30) has a communication interface (38) which is signal-connected to the control unit (28). Charging column (14) after one of the Claims 1 to 6 , characterized in that the expansion interface (30) has a lock (36) which is actuated by means of the control unit (28) Charging column (14) after one of the Claims 1 to 7th , characterized by a cover (34) for covering the expansion interface (30), which is movably mounted with respect to the expansion interface (30). Mobile charging station (14) according to one of the Claims 1 to 8th , wherein the power supply unit (26) comprises an electrical energy store (24). Charging column system (12) with a charging column (14) according to one of the Claims 1 to 9 , and with a module (32) which is detachably connected to the expansion interface (30). Module (32) for detachable connection to an expansion interface (30) of a charging station (14).

Images