Charging pile provided with multiple charging guns

Abstract

The invention provides a charging pile provided with a plurality of charging guns. The charging pile comprises N charging guns, a first control unit and N charging circuits Ngt which are connected in parallel, 1, the charging circuit is used for controlling connection and disconnection between the alternating current power supply and the charging gun according to a control signal of the first control unit, and a threading type leakage protector used for detecting non-smooth direct current is configured in the charging circuit;

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of charging piles, and more specifically to charging piles equipped with multiple charging guns. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of the electric vehicle market, the demand for charging infrastructure is increasing. Traditional single charging piles can only control one charging gun for charging and discharging, resulting in low charging efficiency and an inability to meet the needs of multiple vehicles charging simultaneously during peak hours, leading to excessively long waiting times for users. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention provides a charging pile equipped with multiple charging guns, including: N charging guns, N>1; a first control unit; and N parallel charging lines, wherein the charging lines are used to control the connection and disconnection between the AC power supply and the charging guns according to the control signal of the first control unit, and the charging lines are equipped with a wire-type leakage current protector for detecting non-smooth DC current.

[0004] According to some embodiments of the present invention, N=2.

[0005] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the charging circuit includes a circuit breaker, which is connected to an AC power source and the charging gun respectively.

[0006] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the charging circuit further includes: an AC meter connected in series in the line between the circuit breaker and the charging gun, wherein the line between the AC meter and the circuit breaker passes through the in-line leakage current protection device, and the AC meter is used to upload charging status information of the corresponding charging gun to the first control unit.

[0007] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the charging circuit further includes an AC contactor connected in series in the circuit between the AC meter and the charging gun, the AC contactor being used to disconnect the circuit according to a disconnection signal sent by the first control unit.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the N charging guns are used to charge according to the control guidance signal sent by the first control unit.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the charging pile further includes: a second control unit connected to the first control unit; and an interaction component for performing corresponding actions according to control signals sent by the second control unit.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the interactive component includes one or more of a card reader, a touch screen, and a wireless communication component.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the charging gun is equipped with an indicator light for displaying the charging status on the outside of the placement position of the charging pile.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the indicator light is semi-circular and is arranged around one side of the corresponding placement position. Attached Figure Description

[0013] The accompanying drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention and, together with the description thereof, serve to explain the principles of the invention. These drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification.

[0014] Figure 1 The diagram illustrates an application scenario of a charging station equipped with multiple charging guns, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 2 A circuit diagram of a charging station equipped with multiple charging guns according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown.

[0016] Figure 3 A front view of a charging station equipped with multiple charging guns, according to some embodiments of the present invention, is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, only the parts relevant to the present invention are shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0018] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this invention can be combined with each other. The technical solution of this invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0019] Unless otherwise stated, the exemplary embodiments / exemplifications shown are to be understood as providing exemplary features of various details that provide ways in which the technical concept of the invention can be implemented in practice. Therefore, unless otherwise stated, the features of the various embodiments / exemplifications may be additionally combined, separated, interchanged and / or rearranged without departing from the technical concept of the invention.

[0020] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and is not restrictive. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well. Furthermore, when the terms “comprising” and / or “including” and variations thereof are used in this specification, it indicates the presence of the stated features, integrals, steps, operations, parts, components, and / or groups thereof, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, parts, components, and / or groups thereof. It should also be noted that, as used herein, the terms “substantially,” “about,” and other similar terms are used as approximate terms rather than as terms of degree, thus explaining the inherent biases in measurements, calculated values, and / or provided values ​​that would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0021] Electric vehicles are typically charged using charging stations located in specific locations (such as parking lots). The charging gun is inserted into the charging port of the electric vehicle to connect with it. After the user activates the charging action by performing a specific operation, the charging station begins to charge the electric vehicle's battery through the charging gun to replenish the electrical energy required for the electric vehicle to drive.

[0022] Since each charging station is equipped with only one charging gun, it can only charge one electric vehicle at a time. If many vehicles have charging needs, it cannot charge them at the same time, making it difficult to meet the charging needs of users.

[0023] Therefore, the present invention proposes a charging pile equipped with multiple charging guns.

[0024] Figure 1 The diagram illustrates an application scenario of a charging pile equipped with multiple charging guns according to some embodiments of the present invention. This application scenario may include a charging pile 10, an electric vehicle 31, and an electric vehicle 32. The charging pile 10 is equipped with two charging guns, namely charging gun 21 and charging gun 22. The charging pile 10 is also equipped with two gun holders, namely gun holder 11 and gun holder 12. The charging pile 10 can be a charging pile conforming to European standards, and correspondingly, the charging guns also conform to European standards.

[0025] For example, if only one electric vehicle 31 is driving to the charging station 10 for charging, it can be charged using either charging gun 21 or charging gun 22. In the figure, charging gun 21 is used to charge electric vehicle 31. If another electric vehicle 32 is driving to the charging station 10 for charging at the same time, charging gun 22 can be used to charge electric vehicle 32 simultaneously, thereby achieving simultaneous charging of two electric vehicles using two charging guns.

[0026] The charging pile 10 may also be equipped with a touch screen 13 for human-computer interaction and display of charging information. The charging pile 10 may also be equipped with a card reader 14 for sensing the user's electronic card to activate the charging pile 10. The charging pile 10 may also be equipped with an antenna 15 for wireless communication between the charging pile 10 and external devices.

[0027] It should be noted that, in Figure 1 The shape and structure of the charging pile 10, charging gun, and electric vehicle shown should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of protection of this invention.

[0028] Figure 2 A circuit diagram of a charging station equipped with multiple charging guns according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown. (See also...) Figure 1 and Figure 2 The charging pile equipped with multiple charging guns provided by the present invention includes N charging guns and N parallel charging lines, and also includes a first control unit. Wherein, N>1, that is, the number of charging guns and charging lines is 2 or more.

[0029] The charging gun is inserted into the charging port of an electric vehicle to charge its battery. Charging stations can also be equipped with charging gun mounts for storing the charging gun when not in use. For example... Figure 1 The image shows two charging guns, namely charging gun 21 and charging gun 22. Charging gun 21 can be placed in gun holder 11 when not in use, and charging gun 22 can be placed in gun holder 12 when not in use.

[0030] The first control unit may include a chip or circuit for charging control, which will be referred to as U1 below.

[0031] N charging lines are connected in parallel to an AC power source. The AC power source can be a three-phase five-wire system, and the charging lines can be a three-phase five-wire system accordingly, namely U, V, W, N, PE, where U, V, and W are three phase wires (live wires), N is the neutral wire (zero wire), and PE is the ground wire.

[0032] The first control unit is connected to and can communicate with the charging line. The charging line is used to control the connection and disconnection between the AC power supply and the charging gun according to the control signals of the first control unit.

[0033] When a user activates the charging station and completes the necessary actions to charge the electric vehicle (such as identity verification and insertion of the charging gun into the car), the first control unit sends a corresponding signal to the charging line to change the charging line from an open circuit to a closed circuit, thereby initiating the charging of the vehicle's power battery. When charging is complete or an emergency power cut-off occurs, the first control unit sends a corresponding signal to the charging line to change the charging line from a closed circuit to an open circuit, thereby stopping the charging of the vehicle's power battery.

[0034] The charging circuit is equipped with a wire-type residual current device (RCD) for detecting non-smooth DC current. The RCD detects residual current in the charging circuit, specifically current leakage caused by an imbalance between the live and neutral wires, allowing for appropriate measures to prevent potential electric shock or equipment leakage risks. When the detected leakage current exceeds a set threshold (e.g., 30mA), it can quickly cut off the power supply to prevent electric shock or electrical fire.

[0035] Type A residual current devices (RCDs) can detect sinusoidal AC leakage current and pulsating DC leakage current, which are non-smooth DC currents, but cannot detect smooth DC leakage currents. Type B RCDs can detect not only sinusoidal AC leakage current and pulsating DC leakage current, but also smooth DC currents. This invention uses a Type A+6 wire-type RCD. The core of the wire-type RCD is a closed loop, and the charging circuit wires pass through the loop core to form a winding, enabling the RCD to detect 6mA smooth DC leakage current. Since the cost of Type A RCDs is much lower than that of Type B RCDs, this reduces the cost of AC charging piles, saves internal space, and solves the over-configuration problem caused by using Type B RCDs in AC charging piles.

[0036] The charging pile equipped with multiple charging guns proposed according to the embodiments of the present invention enables a single charging pile to charge multiple electric vehicles simultaneously by configuring multiple parallel charging lines and corresponding multiple charging guns, thereby improving charging efficiency and reducing the cost of the charging pile. It can also meet the requirements of European standards for charging piles and is suitable for installation and use in stations or between multiple parking spaces.

[0037] In some embodiments of the present invention, N=2. Figure 2 For example, two charging lines, namely charging line 100 and charging line 200, are shown in dashed boxes. The two charging lines are connected in parallel through terminals. Each charging line is connected to a charging gun; for example, charging line 100 is connected to charging gun 21, and charging line 200 is connected to charging gun 22. The charging lines connect AC power to the charging guns, supplying power to the charging guns, thereby charging the vehicle through the charging guns.

[0038] The charging circuit may include a circuit breaker, which may be connected to both the AC power source and the charging gun. Figure 2 In the diagram, Q1 is the circuit breaker that controls the charging gun 21, and Q2 is the circuit breaker that controls the charging gun 22.

[0039] The charging circuit may also include an AC meter, which can be connected in series between the circuit breaker and the charging gun. The wiring between the AC meter and the circuit breaker passes through a residual current device (RCD). The AC meter is used to upload the charging status information of the corresponding charging gun to the first control unit. Figure 2 In the diagram, DB1 is a three-phase AC meter for charging line 100, and DB2 is a three-phase AC meter for charging line 200. The ring within the dashed box represents a wire-type residual current device (RCD). Both AC meters DB1 and DB2 are connected to the first control unit U1, enabling real-time uploading of meter data and charging data. The meter data is used to measure electricity consumption, while the charging data can include parameters such as real-time voltage and current, used to monitor the electricity usage status. Specifically, each AC meter can be electrically connected to U1 via an RS485 bus. During charging, the energy input to each vehicle is measured, and the measurement value is actively verified for accuracy. Standard RS485 Modbus communication is used to actively detect whether the meter is offline.

[0040] The charging circuit also includes an AC contactor, which can be connected in series in the circuit between the AC meter and the charging gun. The AC contactor can be used to disconnect the circuit according to a disconnect signal sent by the first control unit. Figure 2 In the diagram, KM1 is the AC contactor of charging line 100, and KM2 is the AC contactor of charging line 200.

[0041] The charging station can be equipped with an emergency stop button, which is connected to the first control unit. In case of an emergency, the user can press the emergency stop button. Upon receiving the signal from the pressed emergency stop button, the first control unit will disconnect all AC contactors of the charging station, preventing it from providing charging. When the emergency stop button is released, all AC contactors will re-engage, and the charging station can resume normal charging.

[0042] The charging guns, consisting of N charging nozzles, can be used to control the charging process according to the control guidance signals sent by the first control unit. The first control unit U1 can perform functions such as controlling and guiding two charging nozzles, controlling the engagement and disengagement of the AC contactor, detecting the emergency stop button signal, and RS485 communication with the meter. Specifically, the first control unit U1 can control the start and stop of charging via the CP (ControlPilot) signal, use the PE (Protective Earth) signal to prevent electric shock and ensure safety, and coordinate with the leakage current protector to detect leakage current. It also uses the PP signal to detect whether the charging nozzle is inserted into the vehicle.

[0043] The charging cable of the charging gun can be connected to the first control unit U1 via the SECC. The SECC (Supply Equipment Communication Controller) is used for communication between the CP line and the vehicle's BCBM (On-Board Communication Module).

[0044] The first control unit U1 can be connected to the door-open feedback device, the emergency feedback button, and the PEM (Protective Earth Monitor) module.

[0045] The charging pile may also include a second control unit and an interaction component, wherein the second control unit may be connected to the first control unit, and the interaction component may be used to perform corresponding actions according to the control signals sent by the second control unit. Figure 2 U2 in the diagram is the second control unit, which can be a circuit or a chip. U1 and U2 can be connected via a CAN bus.

[0046] The interactive components include one or more of the following: a card reader, a touch screen, and a wireless communication component. The card reader can be used to start the charging station and pay for charging. Bluetooth and 4G can be used for wireless communication of the charging station. The LCD is the light panel of the charging station. U1 controls the light panel to change colors, flash, etc. to indicate different states of the charging station, such as standby, ready, charging, charging complete, charging station unavailable, and charging station malfunction.

[0047] The second control unit U2 can also connect to a 4G router via LAN (local area network). Users can access the charging pile's equipment operation and maintenance management platform through the 4G router network, avoiding some network information security issues in the market. In addition, the 4G router can provide WiFi functionality.

[0048] An indicator light for displaying the charging status can be installed on the outside of the charging gun's placement location on the charging station. The indicator light can be in a semi-circular shape and wrapped around one side of the corresponding placement location. The placement location is the gun mount.

[0049] Figure 3 A front view of a charging station equipped with multiple charging guns, according to some embodiments of the present invention, is shown. Figure 3 The charging gun and charging cable are not shown. See also Figure 3In the charging pile 10, a semi-circular indicator light 17 is provided on the outer side of the charging gun base 11, and a semi-circular indicator light 16 is provided on the outer side of the charging gun base 12. Indicator light 17 illuminates when the charging gun corresponding to the charging gun on the charging gun base 11 is charging and turns off when the charging gun is not charging. Indicator light 16 illuminates when the charging gun corresponding to the charging gun on the charging gun base 12 is charging and turns off when the charging gun is not charging.

[0050] See Figure 1 The charging pile may also include a power supply circuit (auxiliary power supply circuit) connected in parallel with the charging line. The power supply circuit may include a circuit breaker Q3 and an AC-DC converter connected to the circuit breaker Q3. The AC-DC converter converts 220VAC to 12VDC and provides DC power to the electrical equipment inside the charging pile, such as the touch screen, the first control unit, and the POS machine.

[0051] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment / mode," "some embodiments / modes," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment / mode or example is included in at least one embodiment / mode or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment / mode or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments / modes or examples. Furthermore, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments / modes or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments / modes or examples.

[0052] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0053] Those skilled in the art should understand that the above embodiments are merely for illustrating the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. For those skilled in the art, other changes or modifications can be made based on the above invention, and these changes or modifications still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A charging pile equipped with a plurality of charging guns, characterized in that, The charging pile comprises: N charging guns, N>1; a first control unit; and N charging lines in parallel, the charging lines are used to control the on-off between the AC power supply and the charging guns according to the control signal of the first control unit, and a thread-type leakage protector is arranged in the charging lines to detect non-smooth DC.

2. The charging pile equipped with multiple charging guns according to claim 1, characterized in that, N=2。 3. The charging pile equipped with multiple charging guns according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The charging line comprises: a circuit breaker connected with the AC power supply and the charging gun respectively.

4. The charging pile equipped with multiple charging guns according to claim 3, characterized in that, The charging line further comprises: an AC ammeter connected in series between the circuit breaker and the charging gun, wherein the line between the AC ammeter and the circuit breaker passes through the thread-type leakage protector, and the AC ammeter is used to upload the charging state information of the corresponding charging gun to the first control unit.

5. The charging pile equipped with multiple charging guns according to claim 4, characterized in that, The charging line further comprises: an AC contactor connected in series between the AC ammeter and the charging gun, and the AC contactor is used to disconnect the line according to the disconnect signal sent by the first control unit.

6. The charging pile equipped with multiple charging guns according to claim 4, characterized in that, The N charging guns are used to charge according to the control guide signal sent by the first control unit.

7. The charging pile equipped with multiple charging guns according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The charging pile further comprises: a second control unit connected with the first control unit; and an interactive component used to perform corresponding actions according to the control signal sent by the second control unit.

8. The charging pile equipped with multiple charging guns according to claim 7, characterized in that, The interactive component comprises one or more of a card swiping device, a touch screen and a wireless communication component.

9. The charging pile equipped with multiple charging guns according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The charging gun is provided with an indicator lamp outside the placement position of the charging pile to display the charging state.

10. The charging pile equipped with multiple charging guns according to claim 9, characterized in that, The indicator lamp is in a semi-ring shape and is arranged on one side of the corresponding placement position.

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