Charging station with lighting system for electric vehicles

Abstract

Charging device for an electric vehicle (1), with • an interior space (7) in which electrical contacts of the charging device are arranged and which can be closed with a cover or flap (3), • a first lighting device (5), wherein • the lid or flap (3) is at least partially transparent in such a way that the light from the lighting means (5) is visible from the outside through the lid or flap (3); • the interior has a first side wall (10) and an opposite second side wall (10); • the first lighting means (5) is arranged in or on or adjacent to the first side wall (10); characterized in that • the charging device has a second lighting element (5), • the second lighting device (5) is arranged in or on or adjacent to the second side wall (10).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a charging device with at least one lighting means for an electric vehicle with the features of the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] An electric vehicle is a motor vehicle powered by an electric motor. An electric vehicle has a charging device, such as a charging socket, which is electrically connected to the vehicle's battery. To charge the battery, the electric vehicle's charging device is mechanically and electrically connected to the charging device of a charging station, such as a charging plug. More precisely, at least the electrical contacts of the electric vehicle's charging device are mechanically and electrically connected to the charging device of the charging station. Following this connection, the electric vehicle's battery can be charged.

[0003] The charging device of the electric vehicle can be located in a recess integrated into the vehicle's outer skin. This recess provides an interior space. The interior can be closed with a lid or flap when not charging. Such a charging device is described in the unpublished international patent application EP 2 552 724 A1.

[0004] The article “Rolls-Royce 102EX Electric Phantom Teased” was published on the internet on February 21, 2011, at https: / / bharathautos.com / rolls-royce-102ex-electric-phantom-teased.html and describes a charging device according to the preamble of claim 1. This charging device comprises an interior in which electrical contacts of the charging device are arranged and which can be closed with a partially transparent flap, as well as a first lighting element. The interior has a first side wall at the top and a second, opposing side wall at the bottom. The first lighting element comprises LEDs and is arranged in the first side wall.

[0005] The online publication "BMW Concept Active E" from December 17, 2009, published at "http: / / www.7-forum.com / news / BMW-Concept-ActiveE-3128.html", describes a BMW concept car with a fully electric drive based on the BMW 1 Series Coupé. The integration of a 125 kW electric synchronous motor, an intelligent battery management system, and an innovative recuperation system that recovers energy during deceleration and increases the range by up to 20% are particularly highlighted. The charging system is integrated into the vehicle and illuminated through a translucent flap. The liquid-cooled lithium-ion batteries enable a range of up to 160 km in everyday driving. The vehicle offers four full-size seats and a trunk capacity of approximately 200 liters.

[0006] US patent application US 2011 / 0043355A1 discloses an electric vehicle charging system with a particular focus on communication between the vehicle and the charging device. It describes a system in which the vehicle interacts with the charging system via a user interface to monitor and control charging parameters such as current, charging time, and state of charge. The application emphasizes the importance of a user-friendly interface and the possibility of remote monitoring and control of the charging process via mobile devices.

[0007] Document US 2009 / 0021364A1 describes an electric vehicle with an integrated charging system designed for both conductive and inductive charging. It presents a system in which the vehicle automatically detects whether a charging connection is present and initiates the charging process accordingly. Key features include the integration of safety mechanisms to prevent malfunctions and the ability to monitor and process the state of charge and other vehicle data via a central control unit.

[0008] US Publication US 2010 / 0102628A1 concerns a charging device for electric vehicles that places particular emphasis on the visual indication of the charging status. The publication describes a charging socket with integrated lighting that uses different colors or flashing patterns to signal the current charging status. This is intended to provide the user with simple and intuitive feedback on the charging progress. The device is designed to be clearly visible even in the dark and to blend harmoniously into the vehicle's design.

[0009] The object of the present invention is to provide a charging device for an electric vehicle that is easy to handle.

[0010] The object of the invention is achieved by a charging device with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0011] The invention proposes a charging device for an electric vehicle, with • an interior space in which electrical contacts of the charging device are arranged and which can be closed with a lid or flap, • a first lighting device, whereby • the lid or flap is at least partially transparent enough that the light from the lighting means is visible from the outside through the lid or flap; • the interior has a first side wall and an opposite second side wall; • the first lighting device is located in, on, or adjacent to the first side wall; • the charging device has a second lighting element, • the second lighting device is located in, on, or adjacent to the second side wall.

[0012] Since, according to the invention, two lighting means are arranged on opposite sides, particularly suitable illumination of the interior is ensured. More than two lighting means can also be provided, distributed over the side or edge area of ​​the interior, in order to achieve uniform illumination of both the electrical contacts and the cover or flap.

[0013] A cover can be removed from the vehicle body, meaning it can be detached, or it can be mechanically connected to the body. A flap is permanently hinged to the electric vehicle. Inside, there are the electrical contacts for the charging system and the lighting elements that illuminate the interior. The cover or flap is at least partially transparent enough that the light from the lighting elements is visible from the outside. Alternatively or additionally, one or more lighting elements, such as LEDs (light-emitting diodes), can be arranged adjacent to or around the cover or flap. Light emitted by the lighting element(s) can then enter the cover, particularly from the side, which is then designed to be transparent on the sides.Through reflection, preferably total internal reflection, light inside the flap or lid can then reach a transparent area of ​​the lid or flap, through which the light can then escape to the outside.

[0014] To connect an electric vehicle's charging port to a charging station's charging port, the electrical contacts of both devices must be correctly aligned. Therefore, the charging port of a charging station must be aligned relatively precisely before connection to the electric vehicle's charging port. Due to these relatively high alignment requirements, it is advantageous to be able to illuminate the interior of an electric vehicle's charging port, or at least its perimeter, to facilitate alignment even in poor visibility. This interior or perimeter illumination also improves the visibility of the charging port's cover, making it easy and quick to locate even in low-light conditions.The lighting function provided by the lighting means is thus used twice: firstly, to illuminate the interior or edge area of ​​a charging device, and secondly, to make the lid or flap visible from the outside.

[0015] To make the lid or flap at least partially transparent, in one embodiment of the invention the lid or flap is partially provided with, or formed by, a pane of organic or inorganic glass or a transparent plastic film. The transparent area can, for example, consist of a sheet of Plexiglas. The transparent area can be inserted into a recess provided for this purpose in the lid or flap. Alternatively, the lid or flap can also be formed by a partially covered transparent plate, so that a section allows light from the interior of the charging device and / or from lateral illumination to pass through.

[0016] Preferably, only a portion of the cover or flap is made transparent, not only to illuminate the cover or flap but also to provide it with a pattern or marking that indicates, for example, that it is a cover or flap of a charging device. The pattern could be, for example, a letter, in particular a lowercase "e" or a capital "E," indicating the electrical connection option. Alternatively or additionally, a self-explanatory symbol, such as a charging plug, especially with an electrical cable, could be used to indicate that it is a cover or flap of an electric vehicle charging device. For this purpose, the area representing the letter or symbol could be transparent, while the adjacent areas could be opaque, or vice versa.

[0017] In one embodiment of the invention, there is an electronic control system for the lighting that prevents the charging device's lights from being switched on when the vehicle's lights are switched on, specifically those used to make the vehicle visible to other road users, such as dipped headlights, main headlights, taillights, and / or parking lights. This avoids unnecessary power consumption by the charging device's lights. The charging device's lights then only illuminate when needed.

[0018] In one embodiment of the invention, the flap or lid is partially transparent, specifically at least the edge or side area of ​​the flap or lid. This makes the outline of the flap or lid visible. This further facilitates opening the flap or lid, even in poor visibility conditions.

[0019] In one embodiment of the invention, at least one of the lighting elements is designed to emit light in different colors. These different light colors can be used to signal operating states. In one embodiment of the invention, the charging device therefore includes electronics that are capable of controlling the color of at least one of the lighting elements, particularly depending on the operating states of the charging device and / or the battery of the electric vehicle.

[0020] In one embodiment of the invention, the two lighting elements emit light at least in the direction of the lid or flap. The first and / or the second side wall borders, preferably perpendicularly, the area of ​​the interior that comprises the electrical contacts. This ensures good illumination of the lid from the inside. Furthermore, this arrangement of the lighting elements does not obstruct access to the electrical contacts of the charging device or take up any space in the area of ​​the electrical contacts of the charging device. Thus, excessive enlargement of the charging device by including the lighting elements is avoided.

[0021] In one embodiment of the invention, the light cone of at least one of the lighting means is aligned such that it can shine towards the electrical contacts and / or towards the lid. For this reason, in one embodiment, a corresponding light cone extends at least approximately perpendicular to a side wall of the interior of the charging device or parallel to the lid or flap. In this way, it is generally achieved that both the electrical contacts and the lid or flap are directly illuminated and not indirectly via light reflections, since a light cone always spreads out.

[0022] In one embodiment of the invention, the charging device is integrated into a bumper, specifically the rear bumper of an electric vehicle, since sufficient installation space is generally available that would otherwise typically remain unused. In this area, the charging device is discreetly arranged and therefore barely visible. Adjacent to this area, there is also usually sufficient space to accommodate the battery of an electric vehicle. Consequently, this area is relatively difficult to locate. Therefore, it makes sense, particularly in this case, to be able to illuminate the cover or flap according to the invention, thus making it easier to find.

[0023] In one embodiment of the invention, the transparent area of ​​the lid or flap has the same color as the opaque area of ​​the lid or flap. When unlit, the transparent area is then not visible or barely visible. This results, among other things, in a visually harmonious appearance.

[0024] In one embodiment of the invention, the lighting comprises LEDs to minimize the power consumption for the lighting.

[0025] In one embodiment of the invention, the lid or flap is partially reflective, particularly the non-transparent area. Reflective means that there is an area that reflects more strongly than the rest of the lid or flap. This makes it easier to see a symbol or letter, thus facilitating the location of the lid or flap.

[0026] In one embodiment, the lighting consists of a light-emitting surface, for example based on OLED technology, which is preferably part of the flap or lid. The light-emitting surface is then located, in particular, on the inside of the flap or lid. Light from the light-emitting surface, shining in the direction of the transparent area of ​​the lid or flap, can then pass through to the outside. When the lid or flap is opened and the light-emitting surface also shines in the other direction, i.e., away from the transparent area of ​​the lid or flap, light is thus also available to illuminate the interior area.

[0027] Various embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the following figures.

[0028] They show Fig. 1 a partially transparent, illuminated flap in the bumper of an electric vehicle; Fig. 2 a cross-section through the interior of an electric vehicle charging station; Fig. 3 a section through another embodiment of an interior of a charging device; Fig. 4 a flap with a transparent edge area of ​​a loading device.

[0029] In the Fig. Figure 1 shows a section of an electric vehicle 1 with a bumper 2. A flap 3 of the charging unit of the electric vehicle 1 is integrated into the bumper 2 to close off an interior area of ​​the charging unit. The flap 3 is partially transparent in the shape of an "e" 4. Behind the flap 3, within the bumper 2, a light source 5 is arranged, which includes an LED 6. The light cone of the LED 6, i.e., a light-emitting diode, is directed towards the transparent area 4 of the flap 3 and illuminates the "e". The illumination makes the letter "e" clearly visible from the outside, especially in poor lighting conditions.

[0030] In the Fig. Figure 2 shows a section through the interior 7 of another embodiment of the charging device. Within the interior 7, two lighting elements 5 are arranged opposite each other such that the light cones of the LEDs 6 extend parallel to the flap 3. Since the two light cones 8 spread out, both the area 9, which includes the electrical contacts of the charging device, and the flap 3 can be sufficiently illuminated. The two lighting elements 5 are arranged adjacent to opposing side walls 10 of the interior 7.

[0031] In the Fig. Figure 3 shows a further embodiment of the invention in which a plurality of lighting elements 5 are arranged opposite each other in pairs on side walls 10. The light cones 8 of the lighting elements 5 directly illuminate the flap 3 and are thus directed towards the flap 3.

[0032] In the Fig.Figure 4 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in which an edge region 11 of the flap 3 is made transparent. When the at least one illumination means emits light, not only is the area 4 with the letter "e" made visible, but also the edge region 11. Instead of an "e", a symbol such as a charging plug can also be displayed. The at least one illumination means can be in the form of LEDs 6 arranged adjacent to the edge region 11. If the edge region 11 is made transparent, light from the LEDs enters the flap 3. Via reflections within the flap 3, the light can then reach a transparent area of ​​the flap, through which light can then exit to the outside, for example to illuminate the letter or the symbol. The LEDs 6 can be arranged on one or more sides of the flap 3. The LEDs 6 can therefore also be arranged evenly distributed around the edge region 11 of the flap 3.

[0033] LEDs 6 can be arranged around a flap 3 or a cover, or adjacent to one or more sides of the cover or flap 3, in such a way that they are directly visible from the outside. If the LEDs 6 are directly visible from the outside, this further improves the visibility of the area of ​​the flap 3 or cover, particularly if a plurality of LEDs are arranged around the edge of the flap 3 or cover, for example, evenly distributed around the cover or flap 3. Even if the LEDs 6 are visible from the outside, they can still simultaneously shine laterally into the cover or flap 3, so that light within the flap 3 or cover is directed by reflection, in particular by total internal reflection, to an area of ​​the cover or flap through which the light can then exit the cover or flap 3 to the outside.

[0034] The LEDs 6 can also be arranged around a flap 3 or a cover in such a way that they are not immediately visible from the outside. Reference symbol list 1 electric vehicle 2 bumpers 3 flap 4 transparent area 5 lighting devices 6 LED 7 Interior 8 light cones 9 Area with electrical contacts of the charging device 10 side wall 11 transparent edge of the flap

Claims

[1] Charging device for an electric vehicle (1), with • an interior space (7) in which electrical contacts of the charging device are arranged and which can be closed with a cover or flap (3), • a first lighting means (5) • the lid or flap (3) is at least partially transparent in such a way that the light from the lighting means (5) is visible from the outside through the lid or flap (3); • the interior has a first side wall (10) and an opposite second side wall (10); • the first lighting device (5) is arranged in or on or adjacent to the first side wall (10); characterized by , that • the charging device has a second lighting element (5), • the second lighting device (5) is arranged in or on or adjacent to the second side wall (10). [2] Charging device according to the preceding claim, characterized by , that the lid or flap (3) is partially transparent and a non-transparent part or a transparent part (4) corresponds to a letter, in particular a letter ‘e’, or to a symbol, in particular a charging plug. [3] Charging device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the charging device includes an electronic control which prevents the lighting means (5) from being able to light up when lighting means of the motor vehicle are switched on which serve to make the motor vehicle visible from the outside, in particular dipped beam, main beam and rear beam. [4] Charging device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the edge area (11) of the lid or flap (3) is designed to be transparent. [5] Charging device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least one of the lighting means (5) includes one or more LEDs (6). [6] Charging device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least one of the lighting devices (5) can shine in different colors. [7] Charging device according to the preceding claim, characterized by , that electronics are present which are able to control the color of light of at least one of the lighting means (5), in particular depending on the operating state of the charging device and / or depending on the operating state of a battery of the electric vehicle (1). [8] Charging device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the first and / or the second side wall (10) adjoins the area (9) of the charging device which includes the electrical contacts. [9] Charging device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that • a light cone (8) of at least one of the lighting means (5) is directed in such a way that it is able to shine directly onto the cover or flap (3) and / or the electrical contacts, and / or • the light cone (8) extends at least substantially parallel to the lid or flap (3). [10] Charging device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the charging device is installed in a bumper, in particular in the rear bumper (2), for an electric vehicle (1). [11] Charging device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the transparent area (4) of the lid or flap (3) has the same color as the non-transparent area of ​​the lid or flap (3). [12] Charging device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the transparent area (4) is such that the illumination makes visible a letter, namely an “e”, and / or a symbol, namely a charging plug. [13] Charging device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lid or flap (3) is partially reflective. [14] Charging device according to the previous claim, wherein the lid or flap (3) is partially transparent and a non-transparent area of ​​the lid or flap (3) is designed to be reflective.

Images