DE102020202537A1 - Charging system and method for charging an electric vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

A charging system (1) for charging an electric vehicle (5) with electrical energy is specified. The charging system (1) comprises a charging arm with a vertical charging arm part (13) and a horizontal charging arm part (21), a charging cable (25) or a busbar which can be connected to the electric vehicle (5) to be charged, wherein the horizontal loading arm part (21) comprises an extendable push chain (31), by means of which a vehicle-side end (25a) of the charging cable (25) or the busbar can be moved towards the electric vehicle (5). Furthermore, a method for charging an electric vehicle (5 ) specified with such a charging system (1).

Description

The present invention relates to a charging system for charging an electric vehicle with electrical energy, comprising a charging arm with a vertical charging arm part and a horizontal charging arm part as well as a charging cable or a busbar which can be connected to the electric vehicle. The invention also relates to a method for charging an electric vehicle with such a charging system.

Numerous charging systems for charging electric vehicles are known from the prior art, in which a human user has to connect a charging cable to the electric vehicle at the beginning of the charging process and accordingly has to disconnect this charging cable from the electric vehicle again at the end of the charging process. Due to the necessary interaction of the user, such charging systems are not suitable for the automated charging of e.g. autonomous vehicles in which no human user can or wants to be active.

For the (partially) automated charging of electric vehicles, charging systems have been proposed in which, for example, a wall-mounted charging box is connected to a robot arm that carries the charging cable and can plug it into the charging socket of the vehicle to be charged by an automated movement. This robot arm is based on several robot members that are pivotably arranged via swivel joints. Together with a vertical translational movement of the robot arm in the area of the charging box, a spatially limited positioning of the charging plug can be achieved in order to be able to plug the charging plug into a parked car. The disadvantage of this solution, however, is that it is comparatively complex and the robot arm used is relatively expensive. In addition, the robot arms are usually rigidly fixed in their assembly position and thus cannot reach the different charging socket positions of different electric cars. In addition, such robot arms are typically not suitable for continuous outdoor use.

The object of the invention is therefore to specify a charging system which overcomes the disadvantages mentioned, in particular is compatible with different vehicle lengths and / or positions and is suitable for permanent outdoor use. Another object is to specify a method for charging an electric vehicle with such a charging system.

These objects are achieved by the charging system described in claim 1 and the method described in claim 15.

The charging system according to the invention is designed for charging an electric vehicle with electrical energy. It comprises a loading arm with a vertical loading arm part and a horizontal loading arm part. It also includes a charging cable and / or a power rail. The charging cable or the busbar can be connected to the electric vehicle to be charged with the aid of the charging arm. The horizontal part of the charging arm furthermore comprises an extendable push chain, by means of which a vehicle-side end of the charging cable or the busbar can be moved towards the electric vehicle. In particular, the push chain can be extended from the vertical loading arm part in the direction of the electric vehicle.

In this context, the described loading arm should generally be understood to mean a basic element of the loading system. The vertical loading arm part should be understood to mean an elongated sub-element of this loading arm with a vertical main directional component. So it does not have to be aligned exactly vertically. Correspondingly, the horizontal loading arm part should be understood to mean an elongated sub-element of this loading arm with a horizontal main directional component.

It is generally not necessary for the loading arm to be stationary. This is possible and may be advantageous. Alternatively, however, the loading arm can also be arranged to be movable, in particular it can be movable in a translatory manner. For this purpose, the loading arm can be arranged such that it can move horizontally on a rail system, for example via a lower base.

The charging system can alternatively comprise either a charging cable or a busbar for electrical connection to the electric vehicle. If only one of these two alternatives is mentioned as an example in the following, the other possibility should always also apply as disclosed.

The charging system can include a vehicle area in which the vehicle to be charged can be positioned. The described movement from the end of the charging cable “towards the electric vehicle” should therefore correspond to a movement in the direction of this area of the vehicle. In this vehicle area, the vehicle to be charged can be aligned along a predetermined longitudinal direction of the vehicle, which in particular corresponds to a local direction of travel. In the following, this direction is referred to as the x-direction or “horizontal longitudinal direction”. The loading arm can in particular be movably supported along this horizontal longitudinal direction. The horizontal spatial direction that is perpendicular to this is referred to here as the y-direction or “horizontal transverse direction”. The vertical spatial direction is referred to as the z-direction.

In connection with the present invention, a push chain is to be understood as a chain composed of a plurality of chain links, by means of which both tensile forces and compressive forces can be transmitted. Such a linear chain is also known as a "rigid chain". In the de-energized or retracted state, such a push chain can be rolled up or otherwise folded to save space, since the chain links in the retracted state can move so far that the chain can bend around an axis parallel to its transverse direction. In the extended state, however, the push chain is stiffened to such an extent that it can be used to effect both a pushing movement and a pulling movement. In this way, the cable end on the vehicle side can be moved both towards and away from the vehicle to be charged with the push chain. A charging plug of this charging cable can thus be plugged into the vehicle and also pulled out of it again. With the push chain, the charging cable should in particular also be able to be moved away from the electric vehicle again (in the manner of a pulling movement).

The movement in the direction of the electric vehicle (and possibly away from it again) should therefore be able to be brought about in particular by means of the push chain. The loading system should therefore have a push chain drive, which is also referred to in English as a "rigid chain actuator". With such a push chain drive, in particular a rotary movement (e.g. a shaft, a roller and / or a wheel) can be converted into a translational movement of the push chain. This can be done, for example, by unrolling the chain from a roller and / or by positive force transmission from a toothed wheel to the chain links. In general, with a push chain drive, a rotary movement caused by an electric motor can be converted into a translational movement of the push chain relatively easily.

The described movement of the charging cable in the direction of the electric vehicle should in particular be a movement with a directional component in the horizontal transverse direction, that is to say in the y-direction. In this way, a charging plug can be plugged into a charging socket arranged on the side of the vehicle in a particularly simple manner. The direction of movement does not have to coincide exactly with the y-direction. Rather, in this embodiment it is sufficient if the direction of movement has at least one partial component in the y-direction. In particular in the case of a slightly inclined installation position of the charging socket on the vehicle, it can be advantageous if the direction of movement also has a (mostly lower) z component in addition to the y component. A movement in the x-direction should not be ruled out either.

In general, however, it is also not absolutely necessary for the invention that the movement of the charging cable or the push chain is horizontal or has horizontal directional components. Alternatively, it can also be a mainly vertical movement or a movement in a mainly horizontal longitudinal direction. It is only essential in connection with the present invention that the movement of the cable end can be brought about for at least one translational degree of freedom by means of the push chain.

An essential advantage of the present invention is that the translational movement of the charging cable end towards the electric vehicle (and possibly also away from it again) can be effected in a relatively simple manner in terms of apparatus by means of the push chain. Furthermore, a loading system with such a push chain drive can be designed for operation in the open without a great deal of additional effort, since push chain drives are typically much more robust with respect to environmental influences than commercially available robot systems. In addition, a push chain drive can be implemented relatively inexpensively in comparison to such a robot system.

Another advantage of such a push chain drive is that it can be designed to be relatively space-saving. In this way, the linear chain can be rolled up or folded up in a relatively space-saving manner in the retracted state. This space-saving configuration makes it possible to design the charging system as a whole to be very compact and, in particular (in the retracted state of the push chain), to keep a relatively large amount of free space for parking the vehicle to be charged. In particular, there is no bulky robot arm in the way that the parking vehicle could hit.

1. a) Verbinden des Ladekabels oder der Stromschiene mit dem Elektrofahrzeug, indem das Ladekabel oder die Stromschiene mit Hilfe der Schubkette vom vertikalen Teil des Ladearms aus horizontal in Richtung des Elektrofahrzeugs ausgefahren wird.

The method according to the invention is used to charge an electric vehicle with electrical energy by means of a charging system according to the invention. The method comprises at least the step:

1. a) Connecting the charging cable or the busbar to the electric vehicle by extending the charging cable or the busbar horizontally in the direction of the electric vehicle from the vertical part of the charging arm using the push chain.

The advantages of the method according to the invention result analogously to the advantages of the charging system according to the invention described above.

Advantageous refinements and developments of the invention emerge from the claims dependent on claim 1 and the following description. The described configurations of the charging system and the method can generally advantageously be combined with one another.

Thus, according to an advantageous embodiment, the push chain can be extended both in the direction of the electric vehicle and retracted in the direction of the vertical part of the loading arm. In this embodiment, on the one hand, the end of the charging cable on the vehicle side can be connected to the electric vehicle (parked in the vehicle area). On the other hand, after switching off the charging current, the charging cable can be pulled back towards the vertical part of the charging arm. In this way, the necessary free space can advantageously be made available again to park the fully charged electric vehicle and then park the next vehicle in the vehicle area without touching the components of the charging system.

The loading system can advantageously have a drive for extending and / or retracting the push chain in the area of the loading arm. In other words, in this embodiment, the push chain (and with it the charging cable) is moved from the vertical charging arm part. For example, an electric motor for unwinding and / or winding up the push chain can be provided for this purpose in the area of the loading arm. When the push chain is unwound, it is extended, in particular, in the direction of the electric vehicle and, conversely, when it is wound up, it is retracted back to the vertical part of the loading arm. A general advantage of integrating the drive in the area of the vertical part of the loading arm is that the push chain itself can be of passive design in the extendable area of the horizontal loading arm part and does not have to have a (further) drive there. The linear chain can thus be constructed in a comparatively simple manner and implemented with a low intrinsic mass.

At least one charging plug can advantageously be attached to the end of the push chain on the vehicle side. Such a charging plug is used in particular to be plugged together with a corresponding charging socket of the vehicle to be charged in order to establish electrical contact for charging the vehicle. This charging plug can in particular be interchangeable, so that the charging system can be configured for different plug types. The charging plug can particularly advantageously be exchangeable automatically. The charging system can also have several charging plugs in the end area of the charging cable, of which the desired one can be selected automatically, for example.

According to a preferred embodiment, the push chain is designed to exert a pushing force of at least 20 N on the charging plug. A force in this range is typically required at least to insert a charging plug into a charging socket of an electric vehicle. The thrust force is particularly preferably at least 50 N and in particular even at least 100 N. For example, the thrust force exerted can be in a range between 20 N and 200 N. However, a thrust force of up to 1 kN can also be used for charging plugs on trucks or buses. In order to remove the charging plug again, tensile forces can advantageously be exerted by the push chain in an analogous range. The pushing and / or pulling forces in the areas mentioned can be achieved comparatively easily using sufficiently dimensioned push chain drives.

According to a further generally advantageous embodiment, the push chain can be deflected in the area of the loading arm. In particular, the chain links of the push chain can be moved relative to one another in the retracted state so that the chain can be wound up and / or folded up. In any case, in this embodiment the push chain can be stored in a space-saving manner in the not (or only partially) extended state in the area of the vertical part of the loading arm. For this purpose, the push chain can in particular be received in at least one chain case, which is arranged in the area of the vertical loading arm part. Several chain boxes can also be provided, for example to accommodate several strands of the push chain separately. In any case, this embodiment ensures that the chain forms a retractable part of a loading arm which takes up very little space in the retracted state.

Generally advantageously, the push chain has a horizontal extension path of at least 20 cm. The reachable extension path is particularly preferably at least 50 cm and in particular even at least 80 cm. For example, an exit path of up to 100 cm or even up to 150 cm can be required in order to reach the vehicles to be charged with the end of the charging cable, which are parked in the vehicle area with a certain position tolerance and which also have significantly different dimensions and positions of the charging sockets. An extension path in the area mentioned can be implemented comparatively simply and inexpensively by means of a push chain with a sufficient chain length. By retracting the Push chain around the analog path can be achieved that in the retracted state, a sufficiently large free space is created for the next vehicle to be parked.

In general, the push chain is advantageously composed of a plurality of chain links. These chain links can particularly preferably be formed essentially from plastic. In other words, plastic can form the main component of the push chain (although additional elements such as a coating or holding or connecting elements made of other materials should not be excluded). A major advantage of the plastic-based embodiment is that such a push chain can be particularly resistant to the effects of the weather and thus a charging system designed for use outdoors can be implemented in a particularly simple manner. In addition, a plastic-based push chain can advantageously have a comparatively low intrinsic mass. Alternatively, however, other materials can in principle also be used. For example, the chain links can also be formed from a metallic material or at least comprise a metallic material.

In general, the push chain can be self-stiffening. This can be achieved, for example, in that the chain links of the push chain are positively supported against one another in the unwound state and / or under tension. The form fit between the individual chain links can thus be created, for example, when extending (e.g. by unwinding). On the other hand, the form fit can be canceled again when retracting (e.g. by winding it on a roll or by folding it in), for example by the fact that the chain links are further spaced from one another in the retracted state and / or are guided at a different angle to one another.

The self-stiffening described does not have to be a stiffening with regard to all directions of movement. However, the chain is advantageously stiffened at least in such a way that the required thrust can be transmitted in the y-direction. Due to a suitable installation position (e.g. with a deflection axis of the push chain parallel to the x-axis), the push chain cannot buckle in the negative z-direction and is automatically stiff in this direction. A self-supporting, horizontally extendable loading arm section can be formed with the linear chain. Rigidity with respect to other spatial directions (for example in the positive z direction and / or in the x direction) is advantageous, but not absolutely necessary. In particular, the rigidity in these other spatial directions can optionally be designed to be lower than in the vertical downward direction.

According to a first embodiment variant for the assembly of the push chain, it can be formed from a single elongate strand of chain links. The push chain is then formed from a linear sequence of chain links lined up, which, for example, interlock in a form-fitting manner when the push chain is extended, so that the chain itself stiffens.

According to an alternative, second embodiment variant, the push chain can also be formed by two elongate strands of chain links running parallel to one another, which interlock in a form-fitting manner in the manner of a zipper when the push chain is extended. This enables effective self-stiffening in a particularly simple manner. Such a two-strand linear chain is offered, for example, under the name "Zip Chain Actuator". The form-fitting connection of two chain strands achieves a particularly high rigidity of the extended push chain, so that in the case of the loading system described, an undesired vertical sagging of the horizontal loading arm part can be avoided particularly effectively. In particular, this makes it easier to carry comparatively high loads on the loading arm. When the linear chain is retracted, the two individual strands are separated from one another, which enables the retracted chain strands to be particularly mobile. The individual strands can thus be rolled up or folded in a particularly space-saving manner in the retracted and separated state. In particular, the two individual strands in the retracted state can be accommodated in separate chain cases or in separate subregions of a superordinate chain case.

Generally advantageously, the push chain can be designed to be self-supporting in the extended state. In other words, the rigidity of the linear chain in the extended state is at least so high that it can bear its own weight. A horizontally extendable loading arm part can thus be formed by the push chain, which does not have to be supported by further support elements. The push chain should then be "self-supporting" at least enough to prevent it from sagging horizontally downwards.

Particularly advantageously, the push chain not only bears its own weight, but also the additional load of the charging cable and / or a charging plug and other optionally available elements in the area of the charging head. For example, the charging cable can have a mass in the range of about a few kilograms (e.g. 2 kg to 3 kg), and the other optional elements in the area of the charging head can have an additional mass in the range of up to 50 kg, for example, depending on the design. This is how the linear chain can in general advantageously designed to carry an additional load in the range from 2 kg to 25 kg and particularly advantageously even to carry an additional load in the range between 2 kg and 50 kg. The load-bearing capacity for such a high additional load can, for example, also enable a relatively high cable mass or mass of the alternative busbar, which, in particular, could only be moved with a robot arm with great effort. In this way, in particular, fast direct current charging with cables or busbars can be made possible for a very high current-carrying capacity.

In the case of the self-supporting embodiments of the push chain, it is generally advantageous if a load-bearing loading arm part is essentially or at least mainly formed by the push chain. In particular, there is no additional element to support the push chain.

According to an alternative embodiment variant, the push chain can also be supported by an additional support element. For this purpose, the push chain can, for example, be mechanically connected to a telescopic rod system in such a way that it can be extended horizontally with it. The telescopic rod system then forms an additional support element which is variable in length so that it can be extended and retracted together with the push chain. With such an additional support element, a higher overall rigidity and load-bearing capacity of the loading arm can advantageously be achieved.

In this embodiment, the push chain can be arranged, for example, within the telescopic rod system. The push chain can advantageously be encapsulated from the outside by the telescopic tubes and thus protected from environmental influences (e.g. dirt and / or corrosion). Alternatively, it is also possible that the push chain and telescopic rod system are guided next to one another (or one above the other). In any case, however, they should be arranged mechanically in parallel in such a way that they have essentially the same direction of retraction and extension. The movement of the horizontal loading arm part is caused by the drive of the push chain, while the telescopic rod system provides additional support due to its rigidity.

In principle, it is also possible that with such a mechanical parallel connection, several push chains and / or several telescopic rod systems are provided. In particular, increased drive power for extending and / or retracting the horizontal loading arm part can be achieved with a plurality of push chains. Alternatively or additionally, a particularly high rigidity can be achieved with a plurality of telescopic rod systems.

In general, the telescopic rod system can have a plurality of telescopic rods or telescopic tubes guided into one another in a telescopic manner. These rods or tubes can generally have a rectangular or circular cross-sectional shape, for example.

• b) Einstecken eines Ladesteckers des Ladesystems in eine Ladebuchse des zu ladenden Elektrofahrzeugs,
• c) Einschalten eines Ladestroms,
• d) Ausschalten des Ladestroms,
• e) Ausstecken des Ladesteckers aus der Ladebuchse
• f) Einfahren des Ladekabels mittels der Schubkette zurück zum vertikalen Teil des Ladearms.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the method, in addition to said step a), it can have one or more of the following additional steps:

• b) Inserting a charging plug of the charging system into a charging socket of the electric vehicle to be charged,
• c) switching on a charging current,
• d) switching off the charging current,
• e) Unplugging the charging plug from the charging socket
• f) Retraction of the charging cable by means of the push chain back to the vertical part of the loading arm.

The individual steps are particularly preferably carried out in the order a) to f) described.

• 1 eine Darstellung eines Ladesystems nach einem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel in schematischer Aufsicht zeigt,
• 2 das Ladesystem der 1 in schematischer Längsansicht zeigt,
• 3 das Ladesystem der 1 und 2 in schematischem Querschnitt zeigt,
• 4 eine Detailansicht eines Ladesystems nach einem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel in schematischem Querschnitt zeigt,
• 5 eine Darstellung des Ladesystems der 4 mit eingefahrener Schubkette zeigt,
• 6 eine Detailansicht für ein Ausführungsbeispiel einer Schubkette zeigt und
• 7 ein weiteres Beispiel einer Schubkette zeigt, welche innerhalb eines Teleskopstangensystems geführt ist.

The invention is described below on the basis of a few preferred exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

• 1 shows a representation of a charging system according to a first embodiment in a schematic plan view,
• 2 the charging system of the 1 shows in a schematic longitudinal view,
• 3 the charging system of the 1 and 2 shows in schematic cross section,
• 4th shows a detailed view of a charging system according to a second embodiment in a schematic cross section,
• 5 a representation of the charging system of 4th shows with retracted linear chain
• 6th shows a detailed view of an embodiment of a push chain and
• 7th shows another example of a push chain which is guided within a telescopic rod system.

Identical or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference symbols in the figures.

So shows 1 a charging system 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention in a schematic plan view of the xy plane. The charging system 1 has a vehicle area 3 in which an electric vehicle to be charged 5 can be positioned. The x-direction is the horizontal longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and the y-direction is the horizontal transverse direction perpendicular to it. The z-direction, not shown here, is the vertical spatial direction perpendicular to the plane of the drawing. The corresponding side view of the loading system 1 in xz plane is in 2 and the corresponding schematic cross-sectional representation is shown in FIG 3 shown.

In this example, the charging system has two charging devices 1a and 1b with which the electric vehicle can in principle be charged from the right as well as from the left. In principle, however, only one such charging device is sufficient to implement the inventive concept. The two charging devices are electrical through a cross-connection which is only indicated very schematically here 2 tied together. In the area of the first charging device 1a is a charging station 11 arranged, via which both charging devices are electrically connected to a higher-level power grid. The charging station 11 thus serves to control and forward a charging current to the other charging devices of the charging system 1 .

The vehicle 5 the 1 has a charging socket in the rear left of the vehicle 5a on. Therefore, the example vehicle shown is used by the first charging device 1a unloaded. To establish an electrical connection between the charging station 11 and the charging socket 5a of the vehicle, each of the charging devices 1a , 1b a charging cable not shown here. The charging cable can be replaced by a power rail in the same way. To make this charging cable in contact with the charging socket 5a To bring, each of the two charging devices furthermore has a plurality of mechanical elements, which together enable a movement of the vehicle-side cable end in several spatial directions. The charging system 1 of the first exemplary embodiment enables a translational movement of the respective cable end in all three spatial directions x , y and z . However, this is not absolutely necessary. Rather, it is sufficient if a translational movement is made possible at least in one spatial direction in order to insert the cable end into the vehicle to be charged.

Each of the charging devices is an essential component here 1a and 1b a vertical loading arm 13th on. This vertical part of the loading arm 13th extends in the z-direction and raises the charging cable to the level of the charging socket 5a at. The respective loading arm is on a base 23 via an assigned rail system 15th arranged to be movable in the x-direction, as indicated by the double arrow in 1 indicated. The loading arms are therefore movable and not stationary. The charging system can thus be adapted to different x positions of the charging socket on the vehicle and / or to different parking positions of the vehicle.

The respective vertical loading arm 13th carries an associated horizontal loading arm part 21 through which the charging cable in the y-direction in the area of the charging socket 5a can be performed. This horizontal loading arm 21 can be extended in the direction of the vehicle to be charged or in the direction of the vertical loading arm part 13th retractable.

In the 1 and 3 it can be seen that the horizontal loading arm section 21 the first charging device 1a is extended and the (not visible here) horizontal loading arm part of the second loading device 1b has retracted. At the end of the respective charging arm on the vehicle side, the latter carries a charging head into which a charging plug (not shown here) is integrated.

The vertical height (i.e. the z-position) of the loading head 22nd can be adjusted to the height of the respective charging socket. This possibility can be implemented in different ways, for example by either increasing the vertical extension of the vertical loading arm part 13th or by changing the vertical position of the horizontal loading arm 21 on the vertical loading arm 13th is varied. This is indicated by the vertical double arrow in 3 indicated.

The y-position of the loading head 22nd can on the position of the charging socket 5a can be adjusted by extending the loading arm on the relevant side of the vehicle by a suitable distance in the direction of the vehicle. In this way, differences in the width of the vehicles to be charged and differences in the respective parking positions can be compensated for. Due to these differences, the respective vertical loading arm part 13th facing vehicle side 6th have different y positions, as indicated by the double arrow around the position 6th around in the lower part of the 3 indicated. The horizontal loading arm 21 therefore has a correspondingly large possible extension path to accommodate the varying horizontal distance between the vertical loading arm part 13th and the respective charging socket. The minimum required extension path of the loading arm is due to the minimum safety distance 7th given, which when parking between the retracted loading arm and the corresponding side of the vehicle 6th must be guaranteed. This safety distance 7th can for example be in the range of about 20 cm.

In the embodiment of 1 until 3 has the horizontal loading arm part 21 A push chain as a load-bearing element so that the loading arm can be extended and retracted by moving the push chain accordingly. The part of the loading arm between the vertical loading arm part 13th and loading head 22nd is mainly formed by this push chain.

In the 4th and 5 are schematic cross-sectional representations of a charging system 1 shown according to a second embodiment of the invention. This charging system can, for example, be constructed overall in a similar way to the charging system of FIG 1 until 3 . the 4th and 5 show detailed views in the area of a vertical loading arm section 13th , where in 4th the horizontal loading arm 21 is extended and in 5 the horizontal loading arm 21 towards the vertical loading arm 13th has retracted.

As in 4th A large part of the horizontal loading arm section is easy to see when it is extended 21 by a push chain 31 with length 1 educated. This linear chain 31 has a large number of chain links (not shown here) which, in the extended state, interlock in a form-fitting manner, so that the push chain is self-stiffening. In the retracted state, on the other hand, this linear chain is rolled up and thus saves space in a chain case 33 housed, which in the area of the vertical loading arm part 13th is arranged. At the end of the vehicle 21a of the loading arm shows the push chain 31 an end piece 35 on which the charging head 22nd wearing. In this loading head 22nd is a charging plug 27 integrated, which can be plugged into a suitable charging socket of a vehicle to be charged.

The loading head continues to have an end on the vehicle side 25a a charging cable 25th , which is towed by the vertical loading arm part in the direction of the vehicle to be loaded. In the example of the 4th and 5 becomes this charging cable 25th thus hanging relatively freely from the horizontal loading arm part 21 carried. It is only selectively on the charging head 22nd and also in the area of the vertical loading arm 13th mechanically fixed. Alternatively, the charging cable can also be closer to the linear chain 31 be performed and in particular also be integrated into this. The maximum exit path Δs generally results from the difference in chain length 1 between the maximum extended state and the maximum retracted state. With a sufficiently long chain strand 42 For example, an extension path in the range between 20 cm and 150 cm can be implemented.

With a self-stiffening version of the linear chain 31 a sufficiently high rigidity can be achieved so that the linear chain is self-supporting. In particular, it is stiff enough to not only support its own weight, but also the weight of the charging cable 25th and the loading head 22nd to be able to support and also to apply the necessary insertion force to insert the charging plug. The height H of the vertical loading arm 21 above the ground 8th should therefore essentially be retained over the exit path. This is how the force of gravity acting in the area of the loading head also leads Fg does not cause excessive vertical sag of the loading arm. A slight hanging down towards the vehicle, for example in the range of a few millimeters to a few centimeters, can be tolerated under certain circumstances. It is only essential that the horizontal loading arm part is sufficiently stiff to extend the loading head horizontally far enough in the direction of the loading socket and at the same time to meet the height of the loading socket of the vehicle within the framework of the required positioning accuracy.

The linear chain 31 the loading arm is designed to provide both a pushing force Fs towards the vehicle as well as a pulling force Vehicle away from the vehicle onto the loading head 22nd transferred to. The thrust is used to push the charging plug 27 into the charging socket. The opposite is used by the tensile force Vehicle to do this, the charging plug 27 pull it out of the charging socket again. The respective movement of the push chain in the y-direction is driven by a drive 34 causes, which is arranged here in the area of the chain case.

6th shows a detailed view of an embodiment of a push chain 31 as it can be used, for example, in one of the charging systems described. This linear chain has two chain strands 42a and 42b on, their chain links 41 be brought into positive contact with each other when the linear chain is extended in the y-direction, so that the linear chain is self-stiffening and self-supporting. 6th shows a partially extended state of the push chain 31 , in which the individual chain strands 42a and 42b partly in the assigned areas of a chain case 33 are rolled up.

The extension and retraction of the linear chain 31 is by a chain drive 34 causes which in the area of the chain case 33 is arranged. This chain drive 34 is based on a toothed wheel which positively engages in the chain links of the push chain, so that the push chain can be moved back and forth over this toothed wheel. The rotation of the gear around its axis of rotation 45 can be effected, for example, via an electric motor not shown in detail here.

7th shows a schematic cross-sectional view for a horizontal loading arm part 21 a charging system according to a further example of the invention. This loading arm also has a push chain 31 by means of which the extension and retraction of the horizontal loading arm part can be effected. In contrast to the linear chain of the 6th here is the push chain made of just one chain strand 42 educated. When retracted, this chain strand can be placed in a chain case 33 be rolled up. In the extended state, the individual chain links grip 41 form-fit into each other, so that the linear chain is self-stiffening to a certain extent. Here, too, the chain drive 34 a rotating element 44 by rotating it around an axis of rotation 45 the linear chain can either be extended or retracted.

In contrast to the examples of the 4th and 5 respectively. 6th the loading arm is not only stabilized against sagging by the rigidity of the push chain, but also by an additional telescopic rod system 50 .

This telescopic pole system 50 has several telescopic tubes here 51 on which the linear chain 31 and thus increase the rigidity of the horizontal loading arm part, especially with regard to lateral movements in the z and x directions. As an alternative to the implementation shown, it is also possible for such a telescopic rod system to be arranged next to the push chain. In any case, such a mechanical parallel connection of push chain and telescopic rod system serves to combine the advantages of a simple drive and high lateral rigidity.

List of reference symbols

1

Charging system

1a

first charging device

1b

second charging device

2

Cross connection

3

Vehicle area

5

Electric vehicle

5a

Charging socket

6th

Vehicle side

7th

Safety distance

8th

floor

11

Charging station

13th

vertical loading arm

15th

Rail system

21

horizontal loading arm

21a

vehicle-side end of the horizontal loading arm part

22nd

Loading head

23

Loading arm base on rail system

25th

Charging cable

25a

end of the charging cable on the vehicle side

27

Charging plug

31

Linear chain

33

Chain case

34

Chain drive

35

End piece

41

Chain link

42

Chain strand

42a

first chain strand

42b

second chain strand

44

Rotary element

45

Axis of rotation

50

Telescopic pole system

51

Telescopic tubes

Δs

Exit path

Fg

Gravity

Fs

Thrust

Vehicle

traction

H

Height of the loading arm

1

Length of the extended linear chain

x

horizontal longitudinal direction

y

horizontal transverse direction

z

vertical spatial direction

Claims (15)

A charging system (1) for charging an electric vehicle (5) with electrical energy, comprising - a loading arm with a vertical loading arm part (13) and a horizontal loading arm part (21), - A charging cable or a busbar (25) which can be connected to the electric vehicle (5) to be charged, the horizontal charging arm part (21) comprising an extendable push chain (31) by means of which a vehicle-side end (25a) of the charging cable (25) or the busbar can be moved towards the electric vehicle (5). Charging system (1) Claim 1 , in which the push chain (31) can be extended both in the direction of the electric vehicle (5) and in the direction of the vertical loading arm part (13). Loading system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, which has a drive for extending and / or retracting the push chain (31) in the area of the vertical loading arm part (13). Charging system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which at least one charging plug (27) is attached to the vehicle-side end of the push chain (31). Charging system (1) Claim 4 , in which the push chain (31) is designed to exert a force (Fs, Fz) of at least 20 N on the charging plug (27). Loading system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the push chain (31) can be deflected in the region of the vertical loading arm part (13) and can be received in at least one chain case (33). Loading system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the push chain (31) can be wound up in the region of the vertical loading arm part (13). Loading system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the push chain (31) has a horizontal extension path (Δs) of at least 20 cm. Loading system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the push chain (31) has a plurality of chain links (41) which are essentially formed from plastic. Loading system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the push chain (31) is self-stiffening. Loading system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the push chain (31) is formed from a single elongate strand (42) of chain links (41). Loading system (1) according to one of the Claims 1 until 10 , in which the push chain (31) is formed by two parallel elongated strands (42a, 42b) of chain links (41) which, when the push chain (31) is extended, interlock in a form-fitting manner like a zipper. Loading system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the push chain (31) is self-supporting in the extended state. Loading system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the push chain (31) is mechanically connected to a telescopic rod system (50) in such a way that it can be extended horizontally together with the latter. Method for charging an electric vehicle (5) with electrical energy with a charging system (1) according to one of the Claims 1 until 14th , comprising the step: a) connecting the charging cable (25) or the busbar to the electric vehicle (5) by the charging cable (25) or the busbar with the help of the push chain (31) from the vertical loading arm part (13) horizontally in the direction of the electric vehicle (5) is extended.

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