Charging equipment, transport vehicle and device for charging an energy storage device

Abstract

Device for charging an electrochemical traction energy storage device (4) of a means of transport, wherein the device (1) comprises: - an electrochemical energy storage device for charging the traction energy storage device (4) of the means of transport, - a charging plug (2) for establishing an electrical connection to the traction energy storage device (4) of the means of transport, - a transport device which is designed to be engaged by a lifting device (22) to lift the device (1) and - a first electrical connection (23) for receiving external electrical energy into the energy storage device, wherein - the first electrical connection (23) is spatially combined with the transport device in such a way that the device (1) can be automatically electrically contacted via the first electrical connection (23) during lifting.

Description

State of the art

[0001] The present invention relates to transport vehicles, charging equipment, and devices for charging an electrochemical energy storage device that can also be used for a means of transportation (hereinafter referred to as a "traction energy storage device"). In particular, the present invention relates to the convenient and time-saving handling of flexible charging stations.

[0002] The electrification of personal transportation is currently progressing rapidly. Since many potential users lack access to their own charging infrastructure or cannot provide it due to their living situation, there is a significant need for publicly accessible charging stations. However, depending on the public power grid, many locations where charging infrastructure would be needed are not adequately equipped with charging stations. While approximately 35% of Germans currently live in their own homes and can therefore, in principle, provide a charging station for an electric vehicle parked on their own property, for 65% of Germans who rent or live in apartments, providing their own connection for charging electric vehicles is not possible due to their living situation.At least currently there is no legal entitlement to demand that the landlord approve structural changes to provide a wall box.

[0003] WO 2016 / 203383 A1 discloses a mobile charging station with a hook attached to its top, by means of which the charging station can be moved from a first position to a second position by a transport vehicle. An electrochemical energy storage device is arranged inside the mobile charging station, from which the electrical energy required for charging can be drawn.

[0004] DE 38 15 033 C1 discloses a device for remotely connecting an electrical plug connector. The coupling process is carried out by a first plug part, which is attached to the crane hook block of the crane. The second plug part is held in a holder with a vertical orientation. After the two plug parts are coupled, the electrical plug connector can be removed from the holder by moving it into a horizontal plane.

[0005] WO 2011 / 0 106 294 A1 discloses an automatic battery swapping system for electric vehicles. This system comprises a remotely controlled vehicle (“EAGV”) operated by a central computer, which includes a connecting element for the battery and a drive element for moving the battery into a horizontal position relative to the electric vehicle. During the battery swapping process, the EAGV automatically connects to the battery and disconnects it from the electric vehicle. The EAGV then inserts a charged battery into the electric vehicle.

[0006] WO 2015 / 0013130A1 discloses an automatic system integrated into an electric or hybrid vehicle for the rapid removal of the vehicle's battery, taking into account its maximum load capacity. A jack can vertically lift and lower the battery once the battery's securing clamps on the vehicle are released. The vehicle is positioned relative to the battery drop point using its parking assist system. Any resulting inaccuracies are compensated for by the device.

[0007] Based on the aforementioned prior art, a technical objective of the present invention is to make the handling of a flexible charging station more convenient and efficient. Disclosure of the invention

[0008] The aforementioned problem is solved according to the invention by the devices with the features of the dependent claims. The solution comprises a charging station, among other things, for charging electrically powered vehicles, which is self-sufficient and flexible. This means that it is charged where the grid infrastructure is sufficient. This can be done, for example, in the vicinity of wind turbines, transformer stations, railway connection points, and other high-capacity energy grid areas. The flexible charging station is then transported by road to the deployment locations. At these locations, the local power grid does not need to be adapted for charging electric vehicles. The flexible charging and service station (hereinafter also referred to as the "device") requires no installation and no grid connection. It can provide charging capacities of more than 1 kW. It can have an external monitor that can at least approximately completely encircle the perimeter of the charging station.This display can show a light banner, infotainment, and advertising. It can also include a lighting element that almost completely encircles the outer perimeter of the flexible charging station, with its color and / or lighting pattern indicating to passersby whether the charging station is available or occupied / empty. Furthermore, the charging stations can integrate remote monitoring functions, an external camera, a Wi-Fi hotspot, etc., to attract potential customers and / or offer paid services. For example, two, three, four, or more charging plugs can be provided for charging electrically powered vehicles, including pantographs. These can enable low- to high-voltage charging. Alternatively or additionally, standard household sockets can be provided for electrifying food trucks, auxiliary heaters, car heaters, e-bikes, e-scooters, etc.Furthermore, the charging station includes a connection option for an external power supply (plug-in). In other words, it allows charging of the electrochemical energy storage device integrated into the charging station without having to remove the energy storage device from the charging station. Alternatively or additionally, a transport hook is provided, which can support the weight of the charging station in the range of 1 ton to 5 tons, preferably in the range of 3 tons. Alternatively or additionally, bumpers can be provided on the outside of the charging station for transport protection. Theft protection against unauthorized removal of the charging station can also be provided. For example, remote monitoring, a tracking system (e.g., GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, etc.), an external camera, an accelerometer, etc., can be provided to detect any unforeseen, unauthorized movement of the charging station and to initiate appropriate measures.

[0009] The charging capacity can be adapted to the state of battery cell development, with a target capacity of approximately 500 kWh in the first generation, 700 kWh in the second generation, and approximately 1000 kWh in the third generation. The volume of the charging station can, for example, range from 1 m³ 3 and 3 m 3 , especially between 1.2 m 3 and 2 m 3 , most preferably in the range between 1.4 m 3 and 1.8 m 3 The height of the charging station can, for example, be in a range between 1 m and 2.50 m, preferably between 1.60 m and 2 m, to allow for placement in parking garages. Preferably, the base area of ​​the charging station is suitable to accommodate the dimensions of a Euro pallet of approximately 1.20 m x 0.8 m.

[0010] The charging station can be operated via a touchscreen display on the outside and, alternatively or additionally, via a user interface (HMI / MMI) developed by the vehicle manufacturer for accessing the available functions. The charging station's order management system can handle the selection of charging power, the charging current principle (DC / AC), the current quality displayed on the charging indicator / status, currently processed or pending orders, and invoicing. Depending on availability, a plug-and-charge functionality can also be offered.

[0011] Customers can be offered value-added services: For example, update services can be offered by a car manufacturer, internet services can be provided, on-board information and entertainment, and on-board shopping and advertising can be accessed via the charging station.

[0012] In addition to paid services, public services such as an emergency call function, a defibrillator, small cells, a map / surroundings information and recommendations regarding hotels, cafes, sights, etc., can be made available via the charging station.

[0013] The flexible charging stations proposed according to the invention can be deployed and put into operation at predefined points in public / commercial areas. The current location of the flexible charging stations, their charge level, and options for reserving a particular charging station are displayed to users in an application and on the charging station itself. A wide variety of vehicles (cars, vans, trucks, e-bikes, pedelecs, etc.) can be charged by establishing an electrical connection with the traction energy storage system. Depending on demand and availability, as well as the customer's willingness to pay, different charging capacities of up to 100 kW and more can be achieved. As soon as the state of charge approaches a predefined lower threshold (e.g., 20%), the charging station can be replaced. The logistics service provider handles this replacement process.This process can be carried out, for example, using flatbed trucks, vans, lorries, etc., equipped with a crane / overhead crane. These transport vehicles move the electrically discharged flexible charging stations to a regional power supply point (e.g., a power plant, a wind farm, etc.). After the flexible charging stations have been recharged, a suitable transport vehicle returns them to their original location, which may or may not be the same as their previous location.

[0014] According to one aspect of the technology disclosed herein, the battery packs within the flexible charging stations are charged at regional power feed-in / withdrawal points, which may, but need not, coincide with an administrative facility for operator management. In particular, charging can take place off-grid at the generator (e.g., in a wind farm, tidal power plant, solar power plant, geothermal power plant, etc.) or within an electrical network (e.g., an electric railway network / railway power supply). Here, the integration of the regional charging centers into a so-called smart grid (grid stabilization, electricity trading, etc.) is possible. The consumers of electrical energy from the flexible charging stations according to the invention can be a wide variety of vehicles (e.g., electric vehicles, electric forklifts, e-bikes) or other electricity consumers (e.g., stationary or mobile shops, market stalls, etc.).They can also be used to smooth peak power consumption. Charging can be done using AC or DC technology. The flexible charging stations can be remotely monitored, with a replacement occurring when the state of charge and / or state of health (SOH) falls below a predefined minimum value.

[0015] The price for a vehicle's parking in the immediate vicinity of a flexible charging station can be tiered according to the charging power consumed, the amount / quality of energy consumed, and / or the parking duration. Extensive additional features (public access, loyalty programs, service offerings, and advertising) can be booked free of charge or for a fee. The charging stations generally operate autonomously but can be remotely monitored and controlled by the management system or operator. Thanks to comprehensive and sophisticated sensor technology, the charging stations can be positioned and operated according to customer needs. Maintenance and / or update requirements can be communicated to the management system via wired and / or wireless connections.

[0016] Based on the technology disclosed above, the aforementioned problem is solved by a device for charging an electrochemical traction energy storage device of a means of transport. The device is thus intended to supply electrically powered means of transport (cars, vans, trucks, pedelecs, e-bikes, etc.) and other electrical energy consumers with electrical energy. As described above, the device can be understood as a charging station, flexible charging station, or flexible charging point. It comprises an electrochemical energy storage device, which can be configured, for example, as an accumulator, battery, fuel cell, or similar device, and is designed for charging the traction energy storage device of the aforementioned means of transport.The electrochemical energy storage device can, for example, be configured to fully charge at least one traction energy storage device of an electrically powered passenger car, and in particular to fully charge several traction energy storage devices simultaneously and / or sequentially without requiring an external electrical energy supply itself in the interim. The device has a charging plug for establishing an electrical connection to the traction energy storage device. In other words, the charging plug connects to a corresponding charging socket or contacting device provided on the means of transport, so that charging can be carried out with a current intended for the means of transport (direct current or alternating current, current intensity of a predefined level, voltage-controlled and / or current-controlled). A transport device is provided on the device to allow the device to be lifted by a lifting device (e.g., a lifting platform).a transport vehicle and / or a stationary device, in particular a charging device). In other words, the transport device offers the possibility of a mechanical connection for moving / loading the device, for example, onto a transport vehicle, a high-bay warehouse, or similar. A first electrical connection serves to receive external electrical energy, through which the electrochemical energy storage device of the device can be charged. The electrochemical energy storage device can have a capacity that is sufficiently large to charge four, preferably eight, and particularly preferably ten or more, average traction energy storage devices of purely electrically powered means of transport.To enable convenient and efficient handling of the device according to the invention, the electrical connection is spatially integrated with the transport device in such a way that the device can be automatically electrically connected via the first electrical connection when it is lifted by a transport vehicle and / or a stationary crane. This may, in particular, require that the transport device and the first electrical connection be arranged on a top side of the device or a housing of the device. The lifting device for lifting the device may have a corresponding spatial arrangement of its own electrical connection (hereinafter referred to as the "second electrical connection") relative to the lifting device. The electrical contacting during the handling of the device according to the invention offers several advantages: On the one hand, it enables a largely automated or...The first electrical connection can be made independently of the operating personnel via the device's periphery, provided the device is lifted. Ideally, a driver of a transport vehicle or personnel of a loading device need not touch either the transport device or any electrical connection on its side to establish the mechanical and electrical connection to the device according to the invention. Furthermore, electrical charging of the device's electrochemical energy storage device is possible during the loading / transportation process (e.g., on the transport vehicle). In other words, the device according to the invention can be electrically charged or discharged while suspended ("located on the lifting device").In this way, the time the device spends away from its place of use can be reduced, thereby improving the economic efficiency for the operator and extending the availability of the device at the place of use.

[0017] To enable convenient and efficient handling of the device according to the invention, the electrical connection is alternatively or additionally arranged on the underside of the device. In other words, the electrical connection is designed as a charging port accessible from below for charging the electrochemical energy storage device of the device according to the invention. In this way, the device can be electrically connected to a corresponding electrical connection of a charging device during lowering, the electrical connections of which are exposed at the top or at least designed to be contacted from above. In practice, this arrangement can, for example, be designed as a plug-socket connection and alternatively or additionally be protected against the ingress of contaminants and / or liquids by a sliding / movable cover.According to the invention, the electrical connection of the device can be configured as a plug or socket, with the corresponding charging contacts of the charging station configured accordingly. The inventive arrangement of the electrical connections on the underside of the device makes it possible to establish an electrical connection for charging the device as soon as the device is lowered into a collection / charging station. This eliminates the need for manual connection to supply electrical energy.

[0018] Preferably, a switching device can be provided between the electrical connections of the device and the electrochemical energy storage device, which is designed to close only after a completed contacting process. This prevents electrically live connections from being exposed on the outside of the device according to the invention, thus avoiding damage to property and personal injury. As with communication between electrically powered vehicles and their charging infrastructure, a piloting of the electrical connection can be provided, in which messages are exchanged to ensure that the electrical and / or mechanical connection has been completed before significant electrical power is transferred.

[0019] The electrical connections of the device according to the invention can be designed to be slidable. In particular, the electrical connections can be released / exposed in response to a predefined signal on the underside of the device. For example, the electrical connections can be moved downwards to align with corresponding electrical connections of the charging station. In other words, this ensures that the electrical connections protrude from the underside of the device at a suitable time. This does not preclude the electrical connections from being arranged in a recess on the underside of the device. In particular, the electrical connections themselves, even in their extended state, can be arranged within a volume of the recess.

[0020] Preferably, a sliding cover can be provided, which is designed to be fluid-tight and / or dust-tight. The sliding cover can be designed to be displaceable, in particular, in a substantially horizontal direction. It can be moved electrically and / or hydraulically and / or magnetically. A passive design is also possible with a suitable design of the corresponding charging station. In this case, for example, only a return element (e.g., a compliance element, in particular a coil spring) can be provided to conceal the electrical contacts of the device whenever the device is not inserted into the charging station.

[0021] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a charging device for electrically charging the device according to the aforementioned aspect of the invention is proposed. Except for the features mentioned below, the charging device according to the invention can be identical to the charging device according to the third aspect of the invention. In contrast to the charging device according to the third aspect of the invention, the charging device is designed to allow a device / flexible charging station according to the invention to be lowered into the charging device from above, and during this lowering process, an electrical connection to the device is established via a second electrical connection. For this purpose, the second electrical connection of the charging device corresponds to the first electrical connection of the device in such a way that the second electrical connection can be electrically contacted by the first electrical connection during the lowering process.This does not preclude the possibility that, after lowering, a relative movement of the first and second electrical connections towards each other is necessary to establish electrical contact. In other words, the charging device can have a movable second electrical connection that can be moved upwards to establish electrical contact with the device. In this case, the second electrical connection of the charging device may only protrude from the top of the charging station during this movement and, so to speak, extend towards the device according to the invention.

[0022] To enable particularly simple, rapid, and essentially automatic contact between the device and the charging unit, guides can be provided to facilitate relative positioning between the device and the charging unit. The guide can, for example, be a chamfer / ramp on the charging unit and / or on the outside of the device housing. This does not preclude the use of sensory, particularly optical and / or inductive, position detection for the relative positioning of the device within the charging unit. For example, the charging unit can have sensors that interact with a corresponding marker on the device and send control signals to the lifting mechanism to adjust the positioning. In this way, electrical contact can be facilitated during the lowering of the device.

[0023] The dependent claims describe preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0024] The transport device and the first electrical connection of the device according to the invention can be positioned in a predefined spatial relationship to one another such that an essentially identical predefined spatial relationship always exists. Alternatively or additionally, the position / orientation of the transport device relative to the rest of the device and, alternatively or additionally, the position / orientation of the first electrical connection relative to the rest of the device can be predefined and known. This makes the manner (e.g., the direction) in which the mechanical and electrical contacting of the device is to be carried out particularly predictable and thus automatable.

[0025] The respective contacting process is particularly simple and easily automated when the contact direction—in which the transport device engages with the lifting device and the first electrical connection engages with the second connection on the infrastructure side—is essentially identical. For example, if a crane hook is to be mechanically connected to the transport device as a lifting device, the electrical connection between the first and second electrical connections can be made as the crane hook is lowered. For this purpose, the first and / or second electrical connections can be automatically aligned with each other using a guide, in particular magnetic forces and / or a funnel- or ramp-shaped structure as a threading aid. This allows the connection to be made particularly easily without complex and time-consuming alignment steps.

[0026] Preferably, the device according to the invention can have an additional transport device on its underside, by means of which it can establish a mechanical connection with a peripheral device. The peripheral device can, for example, be an identical device onto which it is placed. Alternatively, the peripheral device can be a transport vehicle on whose platform / loading area a corresponding locking device is arranged in order to lock the device essentially automatically during transport. For this purpose, the device can be placed on the transport vehicle in such a way that the locking device of the transport vehicle automatically engages with the additional transport device and locks it.If the device is mounted on an identical device, for example to save space at the installation site, the additional transport mechanism of the upper device can be mechanically engaged with the transport mechanism of the lower device, thus securing the upper device against accidental falling from the lower device. The transport mechanism of the lower device and / or the additional transport mechanism of the upper device can be activated or deactivated for this purpose via an actuating device and / or a wireless communication signal, so that the additional transport mechanism engages or disengages with the transport mechanism, thereby locking or unlocking both devices.It is evident to a person skilled in the art that in this way more than two devices can be arranged on top of each other and mechanically secured / connected to each other according to the invention.

[0027] Alternatively or additionally, the device according to the invention can have an (additional) electrical connection, which is also arranged on a lower side of the device. The device according to the invention can be electrically connected to a (second) device according to the invention arranged below it via this additional first electrical connection. This can be advantageous, for example, if the devices are to be arranged in a space-saving manner at the point of use. Depending on the height of the lower device, the upper device may be positioned too high to be directly operated by users. For example, the charging plugs and / or the display, as well as other operating elements of the upper device, may not be accessible to the user. Through the electrical and / or information technology connection via the additional first electrical connection, the upper device can supply power to the lower device.Alternatively or additionally, the upper device can be operated via the controls of the lower device. This applies, for example, to multimedia presentation, power output / power input, and the use of environmental sensors (in particular cameras and / or accelerometers). In the area of ​​the central management unit / recharging station, several devices according to the invention can be electrically connected to each other via the additional first electrical connection and the electrical connection, thus eliminating the need for separate electrical contacts for the purpose of power input / output.In other words, a busbar can be electrically linked via the (additional first) electrical connection and the first electrical connection, so that automatic electrical contacting of a device designed according to the invention can take place via a device according to the invention already connected to a recharge plug, in that the device already connected to the recharge plug is lowered onto the device to be additionally charged and the (additional) electrical connection of the device located at the recharge plug is connected to the (first) electrical connection of the device to be additionally charged.The handling of appropriately designed devices according to the invention is particularly simple, automatable and time-saving in the case that the additional transport device with the transport device or the additional first electrical connection with the first electrical connection either locks automatically and only requires a corresponding signal when unlocking or unlocks automatically and only requires a corresponding signal to lock.

[0028] For example, the transport device can be arranged to be slidably positioned relative to the first electrical connection. In other words, the transport device and the first electrical connection can be arranged such that first one and then the other engages with the periphery of the device. For example, the first electrical connection can also be designed to be slidably positioned relative to the transport device, so that an electrical connection with the periphery is established only after the transport device has engaged a lifting device on the periphery. This slidability can be provided, in particular, in the direction of the common contact direction.In this way, the transport device can first be engaged with the lifting device, and, following the predetermined spatial positioning of the transport device, the first electrical connection can simply be connected to the second electrical connection. Simultaneous alignment of the transport device with the lifting device and of the first electrical connection with the second electrical connection is therefore unnecessary. The automation of the handling of the device according to the invention is thus further improved.

[0029] Preferably, the first electrical connection can include a safety device to prevent electrical contact with the device according to the invention. This serves, on the one hand, to protect against electric shocks, electrically caused fires, short circuits, etc. On the other hand, it serves to prevent energy theft. In particular, the safety device can be configured to only release the first electrical connection for electrical contact upon receiving a predefined signal. For example, the predefined signal can identify the user, a transport vehicle, a loading / unloading device, or similar as authorized to use the device.

[0030] Automatic release of the transport device and / or the first electrical connection can also be position-based. For this purpose, the device can be configured to compare its position with a predefined reference and, upon remaining at the predefined position, grant access to the transport device and / or the first electrical connection. A tracking module can be provided for this purpose, which is configured to determine the device's position. The tracking module can, for example, operate using satellite technology. Alternatively or additionally, one or more of the following wireless technologies can be used for position determination: WLAN, GSM, Bluetooth, ETGE, LTE, LTE-A, etc.A camera, sensor and / or microphone that may be present on the device can also be used to detect when the device is in a "safe" predefined position and, in response, to automatically reveal the transport device and / or the first electrical connection.

[0031] The considerable electrical and / or energy capacity of the device according to the invention makes it suitable for supporting the electrical grid of an energy supply company when needed. In other words, the device can be connected to a mobile and / or stationary electrical grid and feed electrical energy from the electrochemical energy storage system into the stationary grid, for example. Peak load times can thus be buffered by the device according to the invention, so that the power plant capacity does not need to be dimensioned to match the peak load. The injection of electrical energy can take place at the point of use and alternatively or additionally at the location where the device according to the invention is usually supplied with electrical energy itself.In other words, the capacity of the device according to the invention can be leased to the grid operator or otherwise made available for a fee in order to buffer its electrical power. Feeding electrical energy into the grid enables, on the one hand, a particularly environmentally friendly provision of electrical energy by the energy supply company, and on the other hand, an additional source of income for the operator of the device according to the invention, thereby making its business more economically attractive and / or reducing the costs of providing the device.

[0032] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a transport vehicle for transporting the aforementioned device is proposed. The transport vehicle can be configured as a van, truck, flatbed truck, or similar vehicle. It includes a lifting device, which can be configured, for example, as a crane, forklift, or similar device. The transport vehicle can have a conveyor belt or chain drive to subsequently move the devices into a predefined position on the transport vehicle and / or automatically secure them. The lifting device is configured to engage with the device's transport mechanism to establish a mechanical connection. In this way, the transport mechanism can be used to lift the device. Using the transport mechanism, the device can be loaded from its place of use onto the transport vehicle.This can be achieved, in particular, without the operating personnel having to leave the transport vehicle. At the very least, manual coupling of the lifting device and the transport device is not required. For example, consider waste glass containers, which can be mechanically lifted by a crane and transferred to containers mounted on a transport vehicle. The contents can then be emptied into these containers using a second hook attached to the crane. The transport vehicle could also have a second electrical connection through which electrical energy can be supplied to the energy storage device. In other words, the electrochemical energy storage device of the inventive device can be electrically charged via the second electrical connection.Alternatively or additionally, the device according to the invention can support the vehicle's electrical system or supply electrical energy to an electrochemical energy storage device of the transport vehicle via the second electrical connection. In one embodiment, which can be combined with other embodiments of the present disclosure, the second electrical connection is spatially integrated with the lifting device in such a way that the device can be electrically contacted via the first electrical connection through the second electrical connection when the device is lifted for the purpose of transport. The features, combinations of features, and advantages of the transport vehicle correspond so clearly to those described above in connection with the device according to the invention that reference is made to the above descriptions to avoid repetition.

[0033] Preferably, the transport vehicle can be configured to send an identification signal to the device it is to pick up. This identification signal classifies the transport vehicle as authorized, allowing the device to release the transport equipment and / or the first electrical connection and / or deactivate an anti-theft alarm. To save time during the loading process, the identification signal can be automatically transmitted as the vehicle approaches the device. For example, the transport vehicle can follow a predefined route along which digitally predefined devices are arranged. When the transport vehicle reaches the device's location, the identification signal is automatically sent to the device based on its position.If several devices according to the invention are located at the deployment site, only some of which need to be loaded onto the transport vehicle, the identification signal can be triggered solely by the devices to be loaded to release the transport equipment / first electrical connection. For example, depending on its state of charge, the device can independently decide whether it should be moved from the transport vehicle to an administrative facility / stationary charging station. In addition to releasing the first electrical connection and the transport equipment, a visual signal can indicate to the driver of the transport vehicle that the device in question is ready for collection. For this purpose, the device can have a light source (preferably arranged around its perimeter) which uses color signals and / or light patterns and / or text messages to indicate its status to the surroundings.

[0034] As explained above in connection with the device according to the invention, the transport vehicle may preferably have a locking device which is configured to engage a device with an additional transport device and to lock / secure it for the purpose of safe transport. In other words, the transport vehicle may, for example, have the locking device on a loading platform / flatbed, so that when the device according to the invention is loaded onto the transport vehicle, the additional transport device, in the course of lowering the device onto the locking device, forms a mechanical positive connection between the device and the loading platform / flatbed, which secures the device according to the invention during transport.Depending on the design of the transport vehicle, several devices, interconnected via additional transport devices and transport units, can be stacked and transported on the vehicle. In particular, several devices according to the invention can be simultaneously placed on or unloaded from the transport vehicle by means of a crane, while they remain mechanically interconnected via the additional transport device and the transport unit.

[0035] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a charging device for electrically charging the device according to the first aspect of the invention is proposed. The charging device can be understood as a central or decentralized stationary charging station for a plurality of devices according to the invention. The device according to the invention can, for example, be transported to the charging device by means of a transport vehicle according to the second aspect of the invention. For unloading the devices from the transport vehicle, a lifting device, preferably several lifting devices, can be provided, which is / are configured to engage mechanically with the transport device of the respective device in order to lift the devices from the transport vehicle. By providing several lifting devices in the charging device, several devices according to the invention can also be unloaded (simultaneously) from the transport vehicle.In particular, this can be done under camera surveillance. The use of the transport vehicle's lifting mechanism can be used alternatively or additionally, but is by no means necessary. Additionally, the charging device has a second electrical connection for supplying electrical energy to the energy storage device of the device according to the invention. The design and function of the second electrical connection of the charging device can correspond to the design and function of the second electrical connection of the transport vehicle, but this is not required. The second electrical connection of the charging device is also spatially integrated with the lifting mechanism of the charging device in such a way that the device according to the invention can be automatically electrically connected via the first electrical connection through the second electrical connection during the lifting process.The features, combinations of features and the advantages arising therefrom of the charging device according to the invention correspond so clearly to those which were implemented in connection with the above-mentioned aspects of the invention that reference is made to the above statements to avoid repetition.

[0036] A particularly efficient charging system can be provided by storing and charging the devices while suspended. In this way, a transport vehicle can drive under the respective suspended, fully charged device, and the device can be loaded onto the transport vehicle simply by lowering and disconnecting it from the charging system. Again, the use of the transport vehicle's crane is not required. Suspended storage eliminates further logistical steps, thus simplifying the handling of the device according to the invention and making the operation of the charging system more efficient. Furthermore, floor space is saved, as the devices are preferably made ready for use again simply by lifting and (preferably simultaneously) recharging them electrically.The predefined position of the hanging devices allows for easy and, in particular, automatic lowering onto transport vehicles, which bring them back to the place of use.

[0037] The loading device according to the invention can have several lifting devices, arranged, for example, linearly and / or in a matrix, which are provided for loading / unloading the transport vehicles. The distance between the lifting devices can be selected such that a minimum required distance exists between the devices suspended from the lifting devices. In particular, spacers between the lifting devices can ensure that a device already suspended from a first lifting device does not collide with a device to be lifted by a second, adjacent lifting device. Alternatively or additionally, spacers (bumpers) can ensure that mechanical damage cannot occur even during automatic or largely automated handling of the devices in the loading device.In the simplest case, the lifting mechanism of the loading device can be designed as a cable pull and / or stacking fork. If designed as a stacking fork, a first stacking fork can serve as the first electrical contact and a second stacking fork as the third electrical contact of the second electrical connection. A third stacking fork can, for example, be provided and configured for the electrical connection of the device to an electrical ground ("earth"). Brief description of the characters

[0038] Further details, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and the figures. It shows: Fig. 1 an exemplary situation of the transport of a first embodiment of a device / charging station according to the invention and a use of a second embodiment of a device / charging station according to the invention as well as a third embodiment of a transport vehicle according to the invention; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a detailed view of a gripping process of an embodiment of a device according to the invention by an embodiment of a lifting device usable according to the invention, which is combined with a second electrical connection; Fig. 3 a schematic representation of a loading or unloading process of exemplary embodiments of devices according to the invention from an exemplary embodiment of a transport vehicle according to the invention in an exemplary embodiment of a loading device according to the invention; Fig. 4 a schematic representation of an embodiment of a device according to the invention with an additional transport device and an embodiment of a transport vehicle according to the invention with a locking device; and Fig. 5 a schematic representation of a further embodiment of a device according to the invention in a further embodiment of a charging station according to the invention. Preferred embodiments

[0039] Fig. Figure 1 shows the administrative unit 9 of an operator who provides a plurality of devices according to the invention in the form of flexible charging stations 1. A first flexible charging station 1 is located on a transport vehicle 13 of a user 17, who lifted the charging station 1 by means of a crane on a hook 12 as a transport device and placed it on the flatbed of the transport vehicle 13. The charging station 1 has an electrochemical energy storage device in the form of a battery 3, by means of which a

[0040] The traction energy storage system 4 of an electrically powered passenger car 10 can be charged as a means of transport. A transmitter / receiver 6 is set up to communicate wirelessly with the operator. Theft protection is implemented via an accelerometer 8 and a tracking module 7, which determines the position of the device using a satellite 20. The electronic control unit 5, as the evaluation unit, compares the acceleration values ​​of the accelerometer 8 with predefined references and, when the references are reached or exceeded, sends the signals from the tracking module 7, the signals from the accelerometer 8, the signals from a camera 14, and the signals from an acoustic microphone 21 to the operator. Via the external display 16, the charging station 1 can alert the surroundings, passers-by, and especially the user 17 that a theft may have occurred.Currently, the surroundings are recorded acoustically, visually, and using acceleration technology, and this information, along with the position of charging station 1, is reported to the operator. In addition, in the event of theft, a loudspeaker 15 can be triggered to emit an acoustic signal 11 (also at an inaudible frequency) into the surroundings. This signal is received, for example, by a second charging station 1 at the roadside and compared with a predefined reference. Based on this comparison with the predefined reference, the second charging station 1 is able to detect the theft and send the information transmitted by the first charging station 1 to the operator or the administrative unit 9. The second charging station 1 is itself in a normal state, in which the hook 12, acting as a transport device, is protected against unauthorized access by a sliding cover 18.Only upon receiving a positively verified authorization signal is the sliding cover 18 opened to release the hook 12 for intervention by an authorized transport vehicle 13. The second charging station 1 has two charging plugs 2, by means of which an electrical connection can be established between the battery 3 and the traction energy storage system 4 of the electric car 10. To make the charging time as entertaining as possible for the user 19, an action film is displayed on an external display 16, the soundtrack of which is transmitted via the transmitter / receiver 6 of the second charging station 1 to the transmitter / receiver 6 of the electric car 10 and played back via the audio system of the electric car 10 by means of a loudspeaker 15 in the interior or passenger compartment of the electric car 10.

[0041] Fig. Figure 2 shows an embodiment of a lifting device 22 according to the invention, which has a hook 25 and a hydraulic actuator 26. The lifting device 22 can, for example, be mounted on a transport vehicle (reference numeral 13 in Figure 2). Fig. 1) or be arranged on a loading device 27. A second electrical connection 24, which has exposed electrical contacts 30 in the direction of arrow P as the contact direction, is spatially combined with the lifting device 22. If the lifting device 22, together with the second electrical connection 24, which is permanently and rigidly connected to it, is lowered in the direction of arrow P, a mechanical engagement between the hooks 12 and 25 on the one hand and a mechanical engagement of the first electrical connection 23, which is designed as a socket, with the second electrical connection 24 on the other hand can be carried out essentially simultaneously.The establishment of the connection between the first electrical terminal 23 and the second electrical terminal 24 is simplified if the first electrical terminal 23 is raised from a lowered position in the direction of arrow P2 only when the hook 25 is in predefined engagement and thus in predefined spatial relation to the other hook 12.

[0042] Fig. Figure 3 shows an embodiment of a loading device 27 according to the invention, which has linearly arranged lifting devices 22 that are mounted on cable pulleys 28. For electrical contacting of the devices 1, the cable pulleys 28 are connected to a power supply network 29 of an electrical power supplier. Via the power supply network 29, the devices 1 can be supplied with electrical energy via the first electrical connections 23 and the second electrical connections 24, and the electrical power supply network 29 can be supported by supplying electrochemically stored energy. This can occur during the unloading process or even during the loading process of the transport vehicle 13 according to the invention.The linear arrangement of the cables 28 in the loading device 27 enables the loading / unloading of the transport vehicle 13 without the user 17 / driver of the transport vehicle 13 having to get out and / or move to different positions within the loading device 27. Furthermore, a space-saving arrangement / accommodation of the devices 1 in a suspended state during loading is achieved. In addition, the devices 1 are surrounded by air on all sides, which allows any heat generated during the loading process to be dissipated.

[0043] Fig. Figure 4 shows an embodiment of a transport vehicle 13 according to the invention, which has a locking device 33 according to the invention on its loading platform, the locking device being designed in a hook shape. An additional transport device 32 provided in a base of the lower device 1 is mechanically engaged via the locking device 33, thus securing the lower device 1 to the loading platform of the transport vehicle 13. In order to be able to arrange a particularly large number of devices 1 on a transport vehicle 13 according to the invention and thus transport them to the place of use or to the administrative facility, the transport device of the lower device 1 is in mechanical engagement with an additional transport device 32 arranged on the underside of the upper device 1.Both the upper device 1 and the lower device 1 have additional first electrical connections 31 on their respective undersides, which correspond to the first electrical connections 23 on the upper side of the devices 1 according to the invention. In other words, when the devices 1 are stacked on top of each other as intended, an electrical and / or information technology connection between the devices 1 is automatically established, through which energy for charging the batteries 3 or the traction energy storage devices 4 of electrically powered means of transport, as well as information, can be transmitted. For example, a user input can be received via an external display 16 on a lower device 1, which influences the operating mode of the upper device 1.For example, multimedia playback on an external display 16 of the upper device 1 can be started, stopped, or multimedia content can be selected.

[0044] Fig. Figure 5 shows an alternative embodiment of a loading device according to the invention, which comprises a cable pull 28 and a hook 12 attached thereto as a transport device. In contrast to the embodiment in connection with Fig.However, the charging device shown in Figure 3 is not accessed via the cable 28, but from the underside of the device 1. A recess is provided on the underside of the device 1, at the bottom of which two electrical connections 23 are provided in the form of sockets. The electrical connections 23 can be connected to the electrochemical energy storage device via a contactor 36. A horizontally sliding cover 18 protects the electrical connections 23 from foreign matter and moisture when necessary. The sliding cover 18 is horizontally displaceable in at least two directions, as illustrated by arrow P3. The base 34 of the charging device 27 has a recess corresponding to the housing shape of the device 1, in the center of which a protruding area corresponds to the recess on the underside of the device 1. In this area, two second electrical connections 24 are provided, displaceable vertically in the direction of a double arrow P4.Once it is determined that the device 1 (with the aid of the ramps 35 as a guide) has been inserted into the charging unit 27, the second electrical terminals 24 are moved upwards and make electrical contact with the first electrical terminals 23. This generates a release signal, which closes the contactor 36 and initiates the electrical charging process of the electrochemical energy storage device. After charging is complete, the contactor 36 is opened again, the device 1 is lifted, and the sliding cover 18 is closed before the underside of the device 1 reaches the level of the ramps 35. This prevents the electrical terminals 23 and 24 from being touched by humans or animals while they are still live. The second electrical terminals 24 are also lowered into the base of the charging unit 27 before the underside of the device 1 reaches the level of the ramps 35.

[0045] The inventive design of a flexible charging station for charging the traction energy storage system of an electrically powered vehicle allows for greater flexibility in choosing the installation location and greatly simplifies the evaluation of the device's usage. Furthermore, economic efficiency is increased by enabling efficient charging logistics and providing network operators with an attractive option for buffering electrical energy. Reference symbol list 1 flexible charging station 2 charging plugs 3 batteries 4 traction energy storage 5 electrical control unit, evaluation unit 6 Transmitting / receiving equipment 7 Location module 8 Accelerometer 9 Administrative Unit 10 electrically powered cars 11 acoustic signal 12 hooks 13 Transport vehicle 14 Camera 15 speakers 16 external displays 17 users 18 sliding covers 19 occupants / users 20 satellites 21 microphone 22 Lifting device 23 first electrical connection 24 second electrical connection 25 hooks 26 hydraulic actuator 27 Charging device 28 cable pull 29 Energy supply network 30 electrical contacts 31 connection 32 Transport equipment 33 Locking device 34 Floor 35 Ramp 36 Schütz P (Double) Arrow

Claims

[1] Device for charging an electrochemical traction energy storage device (4) of a means of transport, the device (1) comprising: - an electrochemical energy storage device for charging the traction energy storage device (4) of the means of transport, - a charging plug (2) for establishing an electrical connection to the traction energy storage device (4) of the means of transport, - a transport device which is arranged to be engaged by a lifting device (22) for lifting the device (1) and - a first electrical connection (23) for receiving external electrical energy into the energy storage device, wherein - the first electrical connection (23) is spatially combined with the transport device in such a way that the device (1) can be automatically electrically contacted via the first electrical connection (23) during the lifting process. [2] Device according to claim 1, wherein there always exists a predefined spatial relationship between the transport device and the first electrical connection (23). [3] Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a respective contacting direction of the transport device and the first electrical connection (23) is substantially identical. [4] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the transport device and the first electrical connection (23) are arranged displaceably relative to one another with respect to the contacting direction. [5] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first electrical connection (23) has a safety device against electrical contact, which is designed to release the first electrical connection (23) only in response to a predefined signal, preferably automatically. [6] Device according to one of the preceding claims further comprising - a locating module (7) which is designed to determine a position of the device (1) and, in response to reaching a predefined position, to automatically access - the transport device and / or - the first electrical connection (23) to release. [7] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (1) is arranged - to be connected stationary to an electrical network of an energy supply company, and - to feed electrical energy into the grid if necessary. [8] Transport vehicle (13) for transporting a device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising - a lifting device (22) which is designed to be engaged with the transport device of the device (1) to establish a mechanical connection and to lift the device (1) and - a second electrical connection (24) for supplying electrical energy to the energy storage device via the first electrical connection (23) of the device (1), wherein - the second electrical connection (24) is spatially combined with the lifting device (22) in such a way that the device (1) can be automatically electrically contacted by the second electrical connection (24) via the first electrical connection (23) during the lifting process. [9] Transport vehicle (13) according to claim 8, wherein the transport vehicle (13) is arranged to send an identification signal to the device (1), by means of which the transport vehicle (13) can be identified as being authorized to access the device (1). [10] Charging device (27) for electrically charging a device (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 7, comprising - a lifting device (22) which is designed to be engaged with the transport device of the device (1) to establish a mechanical connection and to lift the device (1) and - a second electrical connection (24) for supplying electrical energy to the energy storage device via the first electrical connection (23) of the device (1), wherein - the second electrical connection (24) is spatially combined with the lifting device (22) in such a way that the device (1) can be automatically electrically contacted by the second electrical connection (24) via the first electrical connection (23) during the lifting process. [11] Loading device (27) according to claim 10, wherein the loading device (27) is arranged to store and load the device (1) in a suspended manner such that a transport vehicle (13) can be driven under the suspended device (1) and the device (1) can be lowered onto the transport vehicle (13). [12] Loading device (27) according to claim 10 or 11, which has a plurality of lifting devices (22), in particular arranged linearly or in a matrix-like manner relative to one another, which enable a compact arrangement of devices (1) which are in engagement with the lifting devices (22). [13] Device for charging an electrochemical traction energy storage device (4) of a means of transport, the device (1) comprising: - an electrochemical energy storage device for charging the traction energy storage device (4) of the means of transport, - a charging plug (2) for establishing an electrical connection to the traction energy storage device (4) of the means of transport, - a transport device which is arranged to be engaged by a lifting device (22) for lifting the device (1) and - a first electrical connection (23) for receiving external electrical energy into the energy storage device, wherein - the first electrical connection (23) is arranged on an underside of the device (1), so that the electrochemical energy store can be charged when the device (1) is lowered onto a corresponding second electrical connection (24) of a charging device (27). [14] The device of claim 13, further comprising - a safety device which is designed to release the first electrical connection (23) only in response to a predefined signal and / or - switching means which are arranged to connect the first electrical connection (23) to the electrochemical energy store only in response to a predefined signal. [15] Charging device (27) for electrically charging a device (1) according to one of the preceding claims 13 or 14, comprising - a lifting device (22) which is designed to be engaged with the transport device of the device (1) to establish a mechanical connection and to lift the device (1) and - a second electrical connection (24) for supplying electrical energy to the energy storage device via the first electrical connection (23) of the device (1), wherein - the lifting device (22) is designed to arrange the device (1) on the second electrical connection (24) in such a way that the first electrical connection (23) can be or is automatically electrically contacted by the second electrical connection (24). [16] Charging device (27) according to claim 15, wherein - the second electrical connection (24) is designed to be vertically displaceable for electrically contacting the first electrical connection (23) of the device (1).

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