EP3237252A1

EP3237252A1 - Apparatus and method for electrically connecting a charging station to a charging socket of a vehicle

Info

Publication number: EP3237252A1
Application number: EP15780899.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Ahmet Kilic
Original assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
Current assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
Priority date: 2014-12-22
Filing date: 2015-10-15
Publication date: 2017-11-01
Also published as: CN107000606A; WO2016102099A1; DE102014226755A1; US20170349055A1

Abstract

The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for electrically connecting a charging station to the charging socket of a vehicle. To this end, a contact head which is connected to a voltage source is positioned in front of a charging socket of a vehicle and then inserted into the charging socket. In order to ensure the contact head is securely and reliably oriented during insertion into the charging socket, the contact head has adjustment means in this case, said adjustment means automatically orienting the contact head during insertion into the charging socket. In this way, the requirements for positioning the contact head before insertion can be reduced and the security of the vehicle which is to be charged making contact with the charging station can be increased.

Description

description

title

Device and method for electrically connecting a charging station with a charging socket of a vehicle

The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for electrically connecting a charging station with the charging socket of a vehicle and a charging station with such a device. State of the art

The document DE 10 2009 001 080 AI discloses a charging device for a land-based motor vehicle with a battery-like

Power storage device. About a contact arm is an electrical

Connection between the power storage device and a charging device to produce. The contact arm is mounted movably on the loading device.

For charging the traction batteries in electric or hybrid vehicles, inductive and conductive charging methods are known. The inductive charging methods are based on a combination of a transmitting coil with a

Receiver coil system. Conductive charging methods, however, require the insertion of a charging cable between a charging station and the electric or hybrid vehicle. For the acceptance of future electric or hybrid vehicles, the comfort for charging the electrical energy storage plays a crucial role.

There is therefore a need for a device and a method for automatically electrically connecting a charging station to the charging socket of an electric or hybrid vehicle, which is a comfortable, reliable and enable efficient connection of the charging station with the charging socket of the vehicle.

Disclosure of the invention

For this purpose, the present invention according to a first aspect provides a device for electrically connecting a charging station with a charging socket of a vehicle. The device comprises a contact head which is electrically connected to a voltage source of the charging station. Furthermore, the device for electrically connecting the charging station with a charging socket comprises an insertion device which is adapted to the contact head in the

Insert charging socket of the vehicle. The contact head points

Adjustment means which are adapted to the contact head during the

Automatically align with the charging socket.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of electrically connecting a charging station to a charging socket of a vehicle. The method comprises the steps of providing a

A contact head electrically connected to a voltage source of the charging station; positioning the contact head at a predetermined one

Position with respect to the charging socket of the vehicle; inserting the contact head into the charging socket of the vehicle; and automatic

Aligning the contact head during insertion of the contact head into the charging socket by means of adjusting the contact head.

Advantages of the invention

Conductive charging methods enable a relatively low-loss transmission of large amounts of energy. In this case, the present invention is based on the finding that it is very difficult to automatically insert a plug into the charging socket for an automatic connection between the charging station and the charging socket of an energy store to be charged, such as a traction battery of an electric or hybrid vehicle. It is difficult, if not impossible, for a driver of such a vehicle to park the vehicle so precisely at a given position that the vehicle is parked Charging socket on the vehicle is located exactly at the same spatial location with respect to the charging socket. However, varies the position of the charging socket of an electric or hybrid vehicle with respect to the charging station, so it is not possible for existing conventional systems to establish a reliable connection between the charging station and charging socket of the vehicle automatically without additional sensors.

The present invention is therefore based on the idea, even with variations in the position of a charging socket with respect to the charging station to allow a simple yet safe and reliable contacting of the charging station with the charging socket of the vehicle. For this purpose, a coarse positioning of a contact head, such as a plug of a charging cable or the like, carried out initially by means of a positioning device. The positioning device is configured to position the contact head at a predetermined position with respect to the charging socket of the vehicle. In this case, the contact head of the charging device according to the present invention is designed so that during the insertion of the contact head into the charging socket of a vehicle automatically fine adjustment of the contact head takes place. The contact head is thus automatically aligned during insertion into the charging socket so that a secure and reliable contacting of the contacts of the charging socket with the contacts of the

Contact head done.

Due to the special configuration of the contact head, the contact head can automatically align automatically within a predetermined tolerance range. A high-precision alignment of the contact head during positioning by the positioning device is therefore not required. Thus can be dispensed with a complex and expensive sensors for precise location determination of the charging socket on the vehicle. The saving of such a sensor simplifies the construction of an automatic

Charging station. Therefore, the complexity of the charging station decreases. The charging station is thus less error-prone. In addition, such a charging station can also be realized significantly cheaper. Since the inventive device for electrically connecting the

Charging station with a charging socket no high demands on the

Accuracy of the position of a charging socket on the vehicle, the vehicle does not have to be very precisely parked at a precisely predetermined position at the charging station for charging. Therefore, that can

Parking the vehicle for charging at an automatic charging station in an ordinary parking operation by a user manually executed. An additional support by further technical aids for a precise parking of the vehicle at a precisely predetermined position is not absolutely necessary.

According to one embodiment, the positioning device is configured to position the contact head within a predetermined spatial tolerance range with respect to the charging socket of the vehicle. For the

automatic connection of the charging station with the charging socket of a vehicle, a coarse positioning of the contact head in the vicinity of the charging socket is sufficient. The charging head should be aligned so that it can be inserted in a subsequent step by simply moving in the direction of the charging socket in the charging socket of the vehicle. Due to the

Design of the contact head to the accuracies for the

Positioning of the contact head made no high demands. The tolerance range in which the contact head must be positioned on the charging socket of the vehicle can therefore be chosen relatively generously.

For example, the contact head may deviate in a range of about 5 cm, 10 cm or 15 cm from the optimal positioning of the contact head. That is, the coarse positioning by the positioning device may position the contact head to be from a line extending from the

Direction of movement of an optimally positioned charging head during insertion into the charging socket results, perpendicular to the previously

may vary size described.

According to a further embodiment, the contact head comprises a

Compensation element. The compensating element is adapted to adjust a movement of the contact head during insertion into the charging socket. This movement of the contact head during insertion into the charging socket results This is for example due to lateral movements of the contact head due to the fine adjustment during insertion into the charging socket. By a flexible compensation element, which can give in with a lateral force on the contact head, the contact head can automatically optimally align with respect to the charging socket.

According to a special embodiment, the compensating element comprises a joint, in particular a self-restoring joint

Spring element and / or an elastomer.

According to a further embodiment, the adjusting means comprises a

Rotating device. Such a rotating device may be configured to rotate the contact head about a predetermined axis. In particular, the predetermined axis may be an axis resulting from the direction in which the contact head is moved during insertion into the charging socket. By such a rotating device, the contact head can be at least approximately aligned so that the contacts of the contact head are aligned according to the contacts in the charging socket. The

For this purpose, the rotating device can actively perform a turning operation by means of a drive. Alternatively, a rotating device without independent drive is possible, which allows rotation of the contact head due to external forces.

According to a further embodiment, the adjusting means comprises recesses which extend into the interior of the contact head and thereby taper in the direction of the interior of the contact head. Such inwardly in diameter or width decreasing recesses, a particularly simple and efficient alignment of the contact head during insertion into the charging socket can be achieved.

According to a further embodiment, the adjusting means comprises a ball wheel, a roller, a rail, a pin, a groove and / or further

Guide elements. By such guide elements, a particularly simple alignment of the contact head during insertion into the

Charging socket can be achieved. According to one embodiment, the contact head has a rotationally symmetrical outer geometry. In particular, the contact head may have a cone-shaped outer geometry. Rotationally symmetric shapes have particularly low alignment requirements and are therefore particularly suitable for automatic insertion into a charging socket.

According to one embodiment, the contact head has a non-rotationally symmetrical arrangement of contacts. Such non-rotationally symmetrical arrangements of contacts lead to a clear assignment of the contacts between the contact head and charging socket. In particular, the individual contacts of the charging head need not be completely formed as circles. Thus, a large number of contacts can be arranged on a contact head with a relatively small area.

According to a further embodiment, the device comprises a

Communication device. The communication device is configured to receive data from the vehicle. In addition, the

Communication device also be adapted to send data to the vehicle. By such a communication device, information can be obtained from the vehicle to be charged, which are relevant for the charging process. For example, from the vehicle the position of

Charging socket to be transmitted to the vehicle. In addition, charging parameters such as voltage, maximum permissible current,

Battery capacity to be transmitted amount of energy, authorization parameters or billing data. In this way, the charging process for the electric vehicle can be optimally prepared and executed.

According to a further embodiment, the positioning device comprises a first positioning device and a second positioning device. The first positioning device is configured to move the contact head in a vertical spatial direction. The second positioning device is configured to move the contact head in a spatial direction orthogonal to the direction of movement of the first positioning direction. By such movement of the contact head by means of a biaxial

Positioning device, the contact head in two spatial directions First roughly adjusted to the position of the charging socket on the vehicle to be charged.

According to another embodiment, the method for electrically connecting the charging station to a charging socket of the vehicle comprises a step of determining the predetermined position for positioning the contact head with respect to the charging socket of the vehicle. By individually determining the position at which the contact head is initially to be roughly positioned, the positioning for different vehicle types, or possibly for each individual vehicle, can be adjusted individually. Thus, a big one

Flexibility in connecting the charging station to a charging station

Vehicle possible.

According to another embodiment, the method comprises a step of releasing the charging socket of the vehicle before the contact head is inserted into the vehicle

Charging socket is introduced. The release of the charging socket, for example, include the unfolding of a cover on the charging socket. In addition, the release can also fold out the charging socket from a

Park position include. Thus, the charging socket can be protected from soiling or other environmental influences before charging.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a

Charging station with a device according to the invention for electrical

Connecting the charging station to a charging socket of a vehicle.

Further embodiments and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief description of the drawings

Showing: 1 shows a schematic representation of a plan view of a device for electrically connecting a charging station with a charging socket according to an embodiment;

Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of a side view of a

Device for electrically connecting a charging station with a charging socket according to another embodiment;

Fig. 3: schematic representations for the interaction of a

Contact head with a charging socket according to one embodiment;

4a, 4b: schematic representations for the interaction of a

Contact head with a charging socket according to others

Embodiments;

5a-d: schematic representations of a contact head of a device for electrically connecting a charging station with a charging socket according to further embodiments;

6: a schematic representation of the interaction of a

Charging head with a charging socket of a vehicle according to yet another embodiment; and

7 shows a schematic representation of a flow chart on which a method according to a further embodiment is based.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 shows a schematic illustration of a charging station 1 with a charging station 1

Device 2 for electrically connecting the charging station 1 with a

Charging socket 51 of a vehicle 5. The vehicle 5 may be

For example, to act a hybrid or electric vehicle. In particular, the vehicle 5 may be a fully or partially electrically powered motor vehicle, such as a passenger car (PKW). or a truck. The charging station comprises a positioning device 10 and an insertion device 20 with a

Contact head 21. By means of the positioning device 10, the

Insertion device 20 and thus also the arranged on the insertion device 20 contact head 21 are moved along predetermined directions. Thus, the contact head 21 can be positioned at a predetermined position with respect to the charging socket 51 of the vehicle 50. For example, the positioning device 10 may have a first positioning device 11 and a second positioning device 12. The first

Positioning device 11 can perform, for example, a horizontal movement and thus the insertion device 20 with the contact head 21 horizontally, that is parallel or at least approximately parallel to one

Move the bearing surface for the vehicle 5. The second positioning device 12 may be mechanically connected to the first positioning device 11 and perform a movement in a vertical spatial direction. The direction of movement of the second positioning device 12 is thus perpendicular to the direction of movement of the first positioning device 11. In this way, the insertion device 20 can be moved laterally with the contact head 21 by the first positioning device 11, for example. As a result, several juxtaposed vehicles 5 can be controlled. For example, on the three bearing surfaces I, II and III

next to each other three vehicles 5 are parked, with respect to the

Degree of freedom of the positioning device by laterally moving the insertion device 20 with the contact head 21 by means of the first

Positioning device 11 of the positioning device 10 can be controlled. In addition, the contact head 21 of the insertion device 20 can also be brought to a position which coincides with the position of the charging socket 51 of the corresponding vehicle 5. In this case, the height of the charging socket 51, and the height of the contact head 21 is initially ignored in this positioning. The positioning of the contact head 21 on the same, or at least approximately the same height as the height of the charging socket 51 of the corresponding vehicle 5 takes place separately by means of the second positioning device 12. The horizontal and vertical alignment of the contact head 21 with respect to the charging socket 51 during the positioning by the

Positioning device 10 does not match exactly with the position of the charging socket 51 of the corresponding vehicle 5. Rather, it is sufficient to position the contact head 21 within a predetermined tolerance range with respect to the charging socket 51 of the vehicle 5. The exact

Alignment of the charging head 21 with respect to the charging socket 51 takes place during the insertion of the contact head 21 in the charging socket 51 and will be described in more detail below.

Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a side view of a charging station 1 with a device 2 for electrically connecting the

Charging station 1 with a charging socket 51 of a vehicle 5 according to a

Embodiment. The device 2 may include a communication device 40 that receives data from the vehicle. The data transmission can unidirectionally from the vehicle 5 in the direction of

Communication device 40 done. Alternatively, a bidirectional data transmission between the vehicle 5 and communication device 40 is possible. The communication device 40 may be, for example, a

Radio interface 41 include. By means of this radio interface 41, a wireless data transmission between the communication device 40 and the vehicle 5 is possible. For example, the radio interface 41 can establish a WLAN connection with the vehicle 5. Alternatively, a connection via a mobile network is possible, for example GSM, UMTS or LTE. Furthermore, a wireless data exchange by means of near-field communication (N FC / R Fl D) can take place. Other wireless communication methods are also possible. Additionally or alternatively, the

Communication device 40 also include an optical sensor 42 or an optical interface. For example, the optical sensor 42 may be a camera, a bar code scanner or a QR code scanner. Further devices for receiving data from the vehicle 5 or for data exchange between the vehicle 5 and device 2 for automatic connection are also possible. The communication device 40 may receive vehicle-specific data from the vehicle 5, in particular data relevant for charging the energy store 50 in the vehicle 5. These data may include, for example, authorization data, billing parameters, charging voltage, charging current, battery capacity and other charging parameters. In addition, information about the position of the charging socket 51 on the vehicle 5 may be included in the transmitted data. Furthermore, the

Communication device 40 also receive data about the parked position of the vehicle 5 with respect to the charging station 1. For example, from the vehicle 5, the GPS coordinates or the like to the

Communication device 40 are transmitted. It is also possible that the communication device 40 determines the position of the vehicle 5 with respect to the charging station 1 by means of suitable sensors. For example, the position of the vehicle 5 can be effected by means of a camera 42, an ultrasonic sensor, radar sensor or another sensor.

The contact head 21 on the insertion device 20 of the device 2 for automatically connecting the charging station 1 to the charging socket 51 of a vehicle 5 may comprise a plurality of electrical contacts. These electrical contacts are electrically connected to a voltage source 30. For example, the voltage source 30 may be a

Voltage converter or charge controller act, that of a

Power supply 3 or other external energy source supplied electrical energy for charging the energy storage 50 in the vehicle 5 adapts. Alternatively, it is also possible that the contacts of the contact head 21 are also connected directly to a power supply network 3 or another voltage source. In this case, it is only necessary that by means of suitable switching elements, the electrical connection between the power supply network 3 or the other voltage source on the one hand and the contacts of the contact head 21 on the other side can be closed or opened to start the charging or to end. In this case, the adjustment of current and voltage for the charging of the energy storage device 50 in the vehicle 5 is performed by a charge controller in the vehicle 5. To charge the energy storage 50 of a vehicle 5, the

Contact head 21 are inserted into the charging socket 51 of the vehicle. The contacts of the contact head 21 are electrically connected to contacts of the charging socket 51. In this way, an electrical connection between the voltage source 30 and the vehicle 5 is established.

Subsequently, the energy storage 50 of the vehicle 5 can be charged. After completion of the charging process, the power supply between charging station 1 and vehicle 5 is interrupted and the contact head 21 is pulled out of the charging socket 51 again.

For an automatic charging thus also the insertion of the contact head 21 in the charging socket 51 of the vehicle must be done automatically. For this purpose, the device 2 for electrically connecting the charging station 1 with the charging socket 51 of the vehicle 5 first positions the insertion device 20 with the charging head 21 in front of the charging socket 51. The device 2 determines the horizontal and vertical position of the charging socket 51 for this purpose. Subsequently, the positioning device 10, the insertion device 20 is positioned with the charging head 21 in front of the charging socket 51. The vehicle 5 should be turned off at the charging station 1 so that the charging socket 51 in the direction of

Device 2 for connecting the charging station 1 with the charging socket 51 is aligned. In this case, no high demands are placed on the accuracy of the positioning of the insertion device 20 with the contact head 21. Rather, it is sufficient that the charging head 21 is located in a predetermined tolerance range in front of the charging socket 51. For example, the loading head 21 may be located in a region with deviations of 5, 10, 15 cm or more deviating from the optimum position. This optimal position is considered as a position at which the contact head 21 can be inserted into the charging socket 51 in a straight line. After the charging head 21 has been positioned within a predetermined tolerance range in front of the charging socket 51, then the contact head 21 is inserted into the charging socket 51 by means of the insertion device 20. For this purpose, the contact head 21 is moved by means of the insertion device 20 in the direction of the charging socket 51. Charging head 21 and charging socket 51 are designed such that during the insertion of the charging head 21 in the charging socket 51 a independent alignment of the contact head 21 takes place. For this purpose, the contact head 21 may comprise adjusting means which automatically align the contact head 21 during insertion into the charging socket 51. For this

automatic alignment of the contact head 21, the contact head 21 thereby rotated, tilted, tilted or varied in a further manner, so that the contacts of the contact head 21 are aligned corresponding to the contacts of the charging socket 51.

For the insertion of the contact head 21 in the charging socket 51, the

Insertion device 20 thereby have means which move the contact head 21 in the direction of the charging socket 51. For example, the insertion device 20 may have a scissors mechanism. Alternatively, other mechanical devices are possible, which move the contact head 21 in the charging socket 51 by means of electric drive, hydraulic or pneumatic.

The insertion device 20 may further comprise a rotating device 23. By this rotating device 23, the contact head 21 can be rotated about a predetermined axis of rotation. This rotation axis may, for example, run parallel to a direction in which the contact head 21 moves into the charging socket 51 during insertion. The turning device

23 may be arranged directly on the contact head 21. By turning the contact head 21 by means of the rotary device 23, the contacts of the contact head 21 with respect to the contacts of the charging socket 51 of the

Vehicle 5 are aligned. The rotation of the contact head 21 by the rotating device 23 may be based on predetermined example

Parameters that result from the data that has been transmitted from the vehicle 5 to the communication device 40.

Alternatively, a sensor (not shown here) may be arranged on the contact head 21, the insertion device 20 or another location of the device for connecting the charging station with the charging socket to the

Alignment of the contacts of the charging socket 51 to determine the vehicle 5. Then, the contact head 21 can be aligned according to the orientation of the contacts on the charging socket 51. Likewise, the rotation of the contact head 21, as well as the insertion of the contact head 21 in the charging socket 51 can be determined based on predetermined parameters, which are made of the the communication device 40 received data. Of the

Contact head 21 can be actively rotated by means of a drive in the rotating device 23 in the desired position. Alternatively, it is also possible that the rotating device 23 is a rotary joint which allows a rotational movement by the action of external forces.

The introducer 20 may further include a compensating element 24. This compensating element 24 allows lateral movement of the contact head 21 during the insertion of the contact head 21 in the charging socket 51. In particular, allows such a compensation element 24 that the

Contact head 21 during insertion of the contact head 21 in the charging socket 51 can perform a movement that is perpendicular, or at least approximately perpendicular with respect to the direction of movement of the contact head 21 during insertion of the contact head 21 in the charging socket 51. For example, it may be in this compensation element 24 to a spring element, a joint with a predetermined restoring force, a piece of elastomer or the like act. For example, the compensating element may allow movement of the contact head 21 when the force applied to the contact head 21 exceeds a predetermined limit. Will on the

Compensation element 24 exerted a force below a predetermined limit, the compensation element 24 remains at least approximately stiff.

On the other hand, when the applied force exceeds a predetermined limit value, the compensating element 24 yields and thus permits a deviation of the direction of movement exerted by the insertion device 20 during the insertion of the contact head 21 into the charging socket 51.

Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of a cross section through a contact head 21 and a corresponding charging socket 51. The contact head 21 in this case has adjusting means 201. This adjusting means 201 may be, for example, a roller, a ball wheel, a pin or another

Act increase. Further, a recess, such as a groove or the like, as adjustment means 201 is possible. At the charging socket 51 of the vehicle 5 while a corresponding to the adjusting means 201 of the contact head 21 guide 501 is incorporated. Thus, when inserting the contact head 21 in the charging socket 51, the contact head 21 by the interaction of the Adjusting means 201 are aligned with the corresponding guide 501 in the charging socket 51 of the contact head 21 with respect to the charging socket 51. In this way, it is possible to align the contacts of the contact head 21 so that they are suitably connected to the contacts of the charging socket 51. In order to improve the sliding properties during insertion of the contact head 21 into the charging socket 51, moreover, the surface of the contact head 21 and / or the surface of the charging socket 51 may be coated with a lubricious material. For example, a coating of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or the like is suitable for this purpose.

Figures 4a and 4b show schematic representations for the insertion of a contact head 21 in a charging socket 51 of a vehicle 5. In order to facilitate the insertion of the contact head 21 into the charging socket 51, in the embodiment shown in Figure 4a, a guide member 52 in front of the charging socket 51st arranged. For example, it may be at the

Guide member 52 to a plate, a rail, a rod, or an arrangement of a plurality of bars or the like act. In particular, it is also possible for the guide device 52 to be a cover in front of the charging socket 51, which is unfolded to the outside before insertion of the charging head 21. Approaches the contact head 21 during the

Insertion process in the charging socket 51 of the charging socket 51 and thereby encounters the guide 52, the contact head 21 can be guided along the guide 52 in the direction of the charging socket 51. Thus, any existing horizontal or vertical deviations of the positioning of the contact head 21 with respect to the charging socket 51 can be automatically corrected. In particular, it is possible for an adjusting means 201 arranged on the contact head 21 to be guided by the guide 52 in such a way that the contact head 21 aligns correctly with respect to the charging socket 51. It is also possible that the contact head 21 performs a rotational movement. Thus, the contacts of the contact head 21 with respect to the contacts of the charging socket 51 can be aligned correctly.

Figure 4b shows an alternative embodiment for a charging socket 51 with a guide 52. In this embodiment, the guide 52 is below the

Charging socket 51 arranged. For example, this can also be a Cover the charging socket 51 act, which is folded prior to insertion of the contact head 21 down. But other embodiments for a guide 52 are possible. Analogously to FIG. 4 a, the contact head 21 can also be guided along the guide 52 during the insertion into the charging socket 51 and an automatic alignment of the contact head 21 can thereby take place.

In this case as well, adjustment means 201 on the charging head 21 can interact with the guide 52 on the charging socket 51 in order to allow an alignment of the contact head 21. FIGS. 5a to 5d each show, by way of example, a plan view of one

Contact head 21. In Figure 5a, the contact head 21 comprises a plurality of funnel-shaped depressions 21-1. In each case, an electrical contact of the contact head 21 can be arranged in these funnel-shaped recesses 21-1.

Basically wells without electrical contacts are possible. Such depressions may provide better guidance during insertion of the

Contact head 21 serve in the charging socket 51. Through the funnel-shaped

Embodiment in which the diameter of the recess in the direction of the interior of the contact head 21 is continuously reduced, even with slight deviations in the positioning of the contact head 21 with respect to a charging socket 51 of a vehicle aufzuladenden 5 of the plug can still be reliably inserted into the charging socket 51 and an electrical contacting of the contacts of the contact head 21 with contacts of the charging socket 51 take place. The funnel-shaped configuration of the recesses allows in this case an independent orientation of the contact head 21 with respect to the charging socket 51st

FIG. 5b shows a further plan view of an embodiment of a

Contact head 21. In this case, the contact head 21 has a plurality of slot-shaped recesses 21-2. The slot-shaped recesses 21 may have a V-shaped form. In this case, as seen in the direction of the interior of the contact head 21, the width of the gaps 21-2 decreases. In this way too, it is possible for the contact head 21, when inserted into a charging socket 51 of a vehicle 5 to be charged, to align itself automatically within predetermined tolerances. The gap-shaped recesses 21-2 can either completely along a direction on the Surface of the contact head 21 extend. Alternatively, the gaps 21-2, as shown in the center of the contact head 21 in Figure 5b, also extend over only a portion, so that a plurality of gaps along a direction on the surface of the contact head 21 arise. In the interior of the column 21-2 can be arranged in each case an electrical contact. Also in this and the following embodiments recesses are possible without electrical contacts.

FIGS. 5c and 5d show circular contact heads 21. In FIG. 5c, the contact head 21 has circular depressions 21-3, in each of which an electrical contact can be arranged. By such

rotationally symmetrical contact heads 21, a particularly simple insertion of the contact head 21 in a charging socket 51 of a vehicle 5 take place. In this case, there is no need to rotate the contact head 21 to align the contacts.

FIG. 5d likewise shows a circular contact head 21, in which, however, the recesses 21-4 in the contact head 21 are designed as circular segments. In this way, a plurality of contacts can be arranged within a circumference. Thus, in a smaller space, a larger number of contacts can be achieved. To a circular contact head 21, as he

For example, in Figure 5d, to force a clear orientation, the individual circular sectors can be made different sizes. In this case, both the width of the depressions 21-4 and the size of the circular segment can vary. In this way it can be ensured that even a circular contact head 21 can be inserted into the charging socket 51 of a vehicle 5 only in a predetermined orientation.

The number of recesses and contacts shown in connection with the figures 5a to 5d serves only for better understanding and does not constitute a limitation of the present invention. A number of contacts different from the illustrated number is also possible. Also, the rectangular shown in Figures 5a and 5b

To understand contact heads only as an example. Deviating geometries such as square shapes, polygons, etc. are also possible. Preferably, the contact heads 21 have a conical or conical or truncated cone-shaped outer geometry. In this case, has the base surface on which the contacts or the recesses for the contacts are arranged, a lower in comparison to the insertion device 20 side facing lower base.

In other words, the contact head 21 tapers in the direction of the surface on which the contacts or the recesses for the contacts are arranged. In this way, within specified tolerances is an independent

Alignment of the contact head 21 during insertion into the charging socket 51 possible.

Figure 6 shows a schematic representation of a cross section through a contact head 21 and a corresponding charging socket 51 of a vehicle 5. For contacting the contact head 21 with the charging socket 51 is the

Contact head 21 thereby introduced in the direction of the arrow in the direction of the charging socket 51. The charging socket 51 in this example has three contacts 51-a, 51-b and 51-c. The contact head 21 has correspondingly three recesses with the contacts 21-a, 21-b and 21-c. While in this example the three contacts 51-a, 51-b and 51-c of the charging socket 51 have the same length, the contacts 21-a, 21-b and 21-c of the contact head 21 are within the contact head 21

different far from the pointing in the direction of the charging socket 51

Outside removed. In this way it can be achieved that upon insertion of the contact head 21 into the charging socket 51, the contacts 21-a, 21-b and 21-c of the contact head 21 at different times with the corresponding contacts 51-a, 51-b and 51- c of the charging socket 51 are electrically contacted. Thus, it can be ensured, for example, that initially an electrical

Contacting a reference potential occurs. Only after the reference potential of the contact head 21 has been connected via the corresponding contact with the charging socket and thus the vehicle to be charged, the further insertion of the contact head 21 in the charging socket 51 then takes place

Contacting of the phase connections, via which the energy supply during charging of the energy storage device 50 in the vehicle 5 is to take place.

After these contacts have also been electrically connected to each other, the contacting of a required for the communication during the charging data connection can be made, via which the charging process is then only released. That way, security can be be increased during contacting and possibly existing

Safety requirements can be met.

In addition to the embodiment shown here, in which the contacts 51-a, 51-b and 51-c of the charging socket 51 are of equal length and the contacts 21-a, 21-b and 21-c of the contact head 21 at different positions with respect to the distance are arranged to the facing in the direction of the charging socket 51 outside of the contact head 21, it is alternatively possible, a

Charging socket 51 with different length contacts 51-a, 51-b and 51-c to be arranged in the vehicle, while the contacts 21-a, 21-b and 21-c of the

Contact head 21 equidistant from the direction of the charging socket 51 facing outside to arrange spaced.

The above-described device 2 of a charging station 1 for automatically electrically connecting the charging station 1 to the charging socket 51 of a

Vehicle 5 allows a great deal of flexibility in the connection between charging station 1 and vehicle 5. In particular, already by the

Positioning device 10 variations of the position of a charging socket 51 on different vehicles 5 are taken into account, and in each case a suitable position for the insertion of the contact head 21 are driven into the charging socket 51. The automatic fine adjustment of the contact head 21 during insertion into the charging socket 51 makes it possible to set only low demands on the accuracy of the positioning device 10. In addition, as already shown in Figure 1, by a large radius of action of the positioning device 10 more juxtaposed vehicles 5 are successively operated by one and the same charging station 1. For this purpose, each of the contact head 21 can be successively inserted into one of the charging sockets 51 of several vehicles parked next to each other 5 and the corresponding energy storage 50 of the respective vehicle 5 are charged. After the energy storage 50 has been fully charged, or any other termination criteria have been met, the contact head 21 can be pulled out of the respective charging socket 51 again and then inserted into the charging socket 51 of the next vehicle. Subsequently, the energy storage device 50 of the next vehicle 5 can be charged. This way are flexible Charging concepts for charging multiple vehicles by means of a charging station possible. In particular, data transmitted from the vehicle 5 to the communication device 40 can also be taken into account in the creation of the charging concepts. Thus, optimal charging concepts can be calculated and executed for each of several vehicles at a charging station 5. For example, the energy storage device 50 a plurality of vehicles 5 each initially only partially charged. After all

Energy store 50 each have predetermined minimum battery levels, then the energy storage 50 of the vehicles 5 can be subsequently charged in succession. Thus, it can be ensured that initially all vehicles are ready to drive, and then the range of the vehicles can be increased by further charging. Further flexible charging concepts are also possible. Automatic contacting and decontacting of vehicles 5 eliminates the need for manual user intervention for charging multiple electric vehicles through a single charging station 1. Thus, the comfort and safety during charging can be increased.

FIG. 7 shows a schematic representation of a flowchart, as it is based on a method for electrically connecting a charging station 1 to a charging socket 51 of a vehicle 5. In step 110, a contact head 21 is first provided. This contact head 21 and in particular the contacts of this contact head 21 may be electrically connected to a voltage source 30 of the charging station 1. In particular, the contact head 21 can be arranged on an insertion device 20, as previously described

has been described. Subsequently, in step 120, the contact head 21 is positioned at a predetermined position with respect to the charging socket 51 of the vehicle 5. This predetermined position is a position in front of the charging socket 51, from which insertion of the charging head 21 into the charging socket 51 is possible. This predetermined position may in particular be a predetermined spatial area. The

Dimensions of this area can range from a few inches to as much as 10 or even 20 inches. Depending on the configuration of the contact head 21 and the

Charging socket 51 are also possible larger areas. Subsequently, in step 130, the contact head 21 is inserted into the charging socket 51 of the vehicle 5. During this insertion of the contact head 21 in the charging socket 51 in step 150, an automatic alignment of the

Contact head 21. For this automatic alignment of the contact head 21 with respect to the charging socket 51, the contact head 21 may comprise adjusting means 201, as previously described.

For flexibly connecting the charging station 1 to the charging socket 51 of a vehicle 5, the method may further include a step of determining the predetermined position for positioning the contact head with respect to

Charge socket have. In particular, data from the vehicle 5 can be received and evaluated for such a step. This data can either directly the position of the charging socket 51 on the vehicle. 5

or may include vehicle-specific data from which the position of the charging socket 51 on the vehicle 5 can be determined. For example, based on the received

vehicle-specific data from a database, the position of the charging socket 51 are read on the respective vehicle 5. If the charging socket 51 of a vehicle 5 is protected by a cover, or if the charging socket 51 is initially folded into the vehicle interior, then in a further step such a charging socket 51 can first be released by opening a cover, or the charging socket can be folded out becomes. For this purpose, if necessary, on the device 2 for electrically connecting the charging station with the charging socket

51 further means may be arranged. For example, the release of the charging socket 51 can be carried out mechanically. Alternatively, an imminent contact operation can also be signaled to the vehicle 5 by means of a radio interface or the like, whereupon the vehicle 5 autonomously releases the charging socket 51.

In summary, the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for electrically connecting a charging station to the charging socket of a vehicle. For this purpose, a contact head connected to a voltage source is positioned in front of a charging socket of a vehicle and then inserted into the charging socket. For a reliable and reliable alignment of the contact head during insertion into the charging socket, the contact head has adjusting means which automatically align the contact head during insertion into the charging socket. In this way, the requirements for the positioning of the contact head can be lowered before insertion and the safety of contacting the charging station with the vehicle to be charged can be increased.

Claims

claims

A device (2) for electrically connecting a charging station (1) to a charging socket (51) of a vehicle (5), comprising:

a contact head (21) electrically connected to a voltage source (30) of the charging station (1);

an insertion device (20) adapted to insert the contact head (21) into the charging socket (51) of the vehicle (5);

wherein the contact head (21) comprises adjusting means adapted to align the contact head (21) during insertion into the charging socket (51).

A device (2) according to claim 1, including a positioning device (10) adapted to position the contact head (21) at a predetermined position with respect to the charging socket (51) of the vehicle (5).

3. Device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the

Positioning device (10) is adapted to position the contact head (21) within a predetermined spatial tolerance range with respect to the charging socket (51) of the vehicle (5).

4. Device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the

Contact head (21) comprises a compensating element (24) adapted to adjust a movement of the contact head (21) during insertion into the charging socket (51).

5. Device (2) according to claim 4, wherein the compensating element (24) comprises a joint, a spring element and / or an elastomer. Apparatus (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the adjusting means comprises a rotating device (23) adapted to rotate the contact head (21) about a predetermined axis.

A device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the adjusting means comprises recesses tapering towards the interior of the contact head (21).

Device (2) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the adjusting means comprises a ball wheel, a roller, a rail, a pin, a groove and / or another guide element.

Device (2) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the contact head (21) has a rotationally symmetrical outer geometry.

Device (2) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the contact head (21) has a non-rotationally symmetrical arrangement of contacts.

The device (2) of any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a communication device configured to receive data from the vehicle (5).

Charging station (1) with a device according to one of claims 1 to 12 for electrically connecting the charging station (1) to a charging socket (51) of a vehicle (5).

Method for electrically connecting a charging station (1) to a charging socket (51) of a vehicle (5), comprising the steps:

Providing (110) a contact head (21) electrically connected to a voltage source (30) of the charging station (1);

Positioning (120) the contact head (21) at a predetermined position with respect to the charging socket (51) of the vehicle (5); Inserting (130) the contact head (21) into the charging socket (51) of the

Vehicle (5); and

Automatic alignment (140) of the contact head (21) during the insertion of the contact head (21) in the charging socket (51) by means of

Adjusting means to the contact head (21).

14. The method according to claim 13, with a step for determining the

predetermined position for positioning the contact head (21) with respect to the charging socket (51) of the vehicle (5).

15. The method of claim 13 or 14, comprising the step of releasing the charging socket (51) of the vehicle (5) before the contact head (21) is inserted into the charging socket (51).