System for charging an electrical energy storage device

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for charging an electrical energy storage device of at least one vehicle, wherein the system comprises a charging station (2) with a charging station-side connector (20) and a height adjustment, a vehicle-side connector for the vehicle, and a tolerance compensator (3), wherein the tolerance compensator (3) is configured for a first connector (20) of the two connectors (20), wherein an x-direction, a y-direction, and a z-direction are provided for the system, wherein a target height in the z-direction is provided for the vehicle-side connector of a specific vehicle under the at least one vehicle, and wherein the height of the charging station-side connector (20) for the specific vehicle under the at least one vehicle is to be adjusted to the target height in the z-direction by means of the height adjustment.wherein, in order to carry out a coupling process, the vehicle with the vehicle-side connector is to be brought close to the charging station-side connector (20), wherein the tolerance compensator (3) for the first connector (20) is designed to compensate for a position of the first connector (20) relative to a second connector (20) of the two connectors (20) in at least one direction.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a system for charging an electrical energy storage device of at least one vehicle and a method for charging an electrical energy storage device of at least one vehicle.

[0002] A vehicle charging system is known from the document DE 10 2020 129 651 A1.

[0003] A charging arrangement and a method for charging an energy storage device of an electrically powered vehicle are known from the document DE 10 2021 002 039 A1.

[0004] The document CN 2 11 045 891 U shows a charging docking mechanism.

[0005] A battery charging device is known from DE 43 44 563 C1. This device includes a transmitter on the vehicle side for transmitting vehicle-specific data containing information about the current altitude of a vehicle-side contact element. A charging station has a receiver for the transmitted data, a charging control unit connected to the receiver, and a height adjustment for a station-side contact element that can be controlled by the charging control unit.

[0006] The document DE 10 2013 225 196 A1 describes a device for electrically charging an energy storage device for a vehicle with a connection plug and with a connection socket, wherein the connection plug is assigned to the vehicle or a charging station and the connection socket is assigned to the charging station or the vehicle, wherein the connection plug is arranged at a free end of a telescopically extendable telescopic arm.

[0007] A method for autonomously parking and electrically charging an energy storage device of a motor vehicle is known from DE 10 2018 003 467 A1. For this purpose, the motor vehicle maneuvers autonomously to a parking space with a charging device. A charging unit of the motor vehicle is coupled to the charging device of the parking space to electrically charge the energy storage device.

[0008] A method for automatically initiating a charging process of a motor vehicle is known from DE 10 2018 008 241 A1. A sensor of the charging device determines the relative position of a charging element of the motor vehicle relative to a stationary charging device. A robot arm of the charging device automatically establishes a wired connection between the charging element and the charging device for transmitting electrical power.

[0009] A method for electrically connecting an electric vehicle to a charging device for electric current is proposed in the document DE 10 2019 216 061 A1. In this method, a relative positioning and / or alignment of a first contact element of the charging device and a second contact element of the electric vehicle to each other in a vertical direction and in a horizontal plane occurs autonomously or automatically.

[0010] A charging system for electrically charging an electrically powered vehicle is known from DE 10 2020 101 923 A1. The charging system comprises a vehicle-side connection point and an infrastructure-side charging connector. The charging connector is moved by an infrastructure-side control unit from its initial position over a travel path to a target position in which the charging connector is in electrical contact with the vehicle-side charging socket.

[0011] A charging device for electrically powered motor vehicles known from the document DE 10 2020 207 394 A1 comprises a charging arm with a conductive plug connection, spring-elastic means for neutralizing the charging arm, a coupling body spring, and a collecting funnel on the electrically powered motor vehicle for the charging arm. The collecting funnel comprises two flaps, a fixed funnel, and a guide slot. A guide sleeve is arranged on the charging arm, wherein the guide sleeve comprises a guide sleeve edge in the form of a spherical cap, a guide slot, and a guide sleeve spring.

[0012] Against this background, one task was to carry out an autonomous electric charging process for a vehicle in a suitable manner.

[0013] This problem is solved by a system and a method having the features of the independent patent claims. Embodiments of the system and method are evident from the dependent patent claims and the description.

[0014] The system according to the invention is designed for charging an electrical energy storage device, for example a battery or an accumulator, of at least one vehicle, for example a motor vehicle. The system has a charging station with a plug connection on the charging station side and a height adjustment, a vehicle-side plug connection for the vehicle and a tolerance compensator. The tolerance compensator is usually designed and / or provided for only a first plug connection of the two plug connections and can be assigned, is to be assigned or is assigned to this. An x-direction, a y-direction and a z-direction, which are each oriented perpendicular to one another, are provided for the system, wherein the y- and x-directions are each usually oriented horizontally relative to a vehicle floor. The z-direction is usually oriented vertically. For the vehicle-side plug connection of a specific vehicle under the at least one vehicle orA target height in the z-direction is provided from a selection of several vehicles. The height of the charging station-side plug connection in the z-direction for the specific vehicle can be adjusted or set using the height adjustment, taking into account the usually given target height of the vehicle-side plug connection in the z-direction, which can be variably adjusted or set in the design, and can also be fixed or set.To carry out an autonomous charging process and / or an autonomous coupling process of the two plug connections to be carried out for this purpose, the vehicle must be approached with the vehicle-side plug connection to the charging station-side plug connection in at least one of the directions, at least in the x- and / or y-direction, wherein a forward direction of travel of the vehicle is aligned parallel to the x-direction and the vehicle-side plug connection is directed and / or moved in the x-direction towards the charging station-side plug connection. The tolerance compensator for the first plug connection of the two plug connections is designed to compensate for a position of the first plug connection of the two plug connections, to which it is assigned, relative to a second plug connection or the other plug connection of the two plug connections in at least one direction provided for the system, i.e. in the x-, y- and / or z-direction.Furthermore, the two plug connections must be electrically and mechanically connected and / or coupled to one another. The tolerance compensator has a plurality of radial guide channels which are arranged symmetrically in a housing of the tolerance compensator around a central channel enclosed by the housing for one of the two plug connections, equiangularly or evenly distributed at the same angular distance relative to one another. If the tolerance compensator has n radial guide channels, where n is an integer, usually at least 3, the angular distance between any two immediately adjacent radial guide channels is 360° / n. At least one radial spring and one pressure element, for example a ball or a cylinder, are arranged in each radial guide channel as components of the tolerance compensator. To carry out the charging process and / or the coupling process for connecting orTo couple the two plug connections, the vehicle must first be brought closer to the charging station-side plug connection in the x- and / or y-direction with the vehicle-side plug connection, whereby a longitudinal axis of the vehicle, which is oriented parallel to the forward direction of the vehicle, must be aligned in the x-direction.

[0015] The height adjustment is used to first adjust or set the height of the charging station-side connector in the z-direction to the desired height or a specific and / or predefined height of the vehicle-side connector. Fine adjustment of both connectors relative to each other in at least one direction can be adjusted or set using the tolerance compensator.

[0016] The at least one radial spring in a respective radial guide channel of the tolerance compensator is designed to press the pressure element arranged and / or located with it in the respective radial guide channel onto and / or against the first plug connection arranged or located in the central channel in the at least one direction, at least in the y and / or z direction, and to compensate for the position of the first plug connection in the direction of the second plug connection, which is usually the case and / or intended as soon as the two plug connections come into mechanical contact during and / or after the vehicle approaches the charging station, and / or as soon as the charging station-side plug connection comes into contact with a feed arranged on and / or in the vehicle for the vehicle-side plug connection during and / or after the approach.

[0017] It is further provided that the first plug connection is clamped and / or adjustably mounted between the pressure elements, i.e. balls or cylinders, pressed by the radial springs. In one embodiment, only one spring is assigned to a ball as the pressure element in the respective radial guide channel. At least two springs can be assigned to a cylinder as the pressure element in the respective radial guide channel. This can also compensate for an inclined plug connection on or in the vehicle that is higher or lower at the front than at the rear. Each pressure element can be attached to the at least one spring in a respective guide channel. Alternatively, they can also be separated from one another within the guide channel.

[0018] The charging station has a mount along which the tolerance compensator is arranged so that its height can be adjusted and / or displaced in the z-direction using or via the height adjustment. The height adjustment is typically integrated into the stationary mount and / or a receptacle for the tolerance compensator and the charging station-side plug connection. The mount and / or receptacle can be designed as a pillar and / or column that is arranged vertically or perpendicularly; the tolerance compensator and the charging station-side plug connection are displaceable or can be displaced along the mount in the vertical or z-direction.

[0019] In one embodiment, the charging station-side plug connection, as the first plug connection, is elastically displaceably connected to the height adjustment via at least one vertical spring as a further component of the tolerance compensator, which is oriented in the x-direction. The at least one vertical spring is designed to press the charging station-side plug connection relative to the height adjustment in the at least one direction, at least in the x-direction, and to compensate the position of the charging station-side plug connection relative to the vehicle-side plug connection in the at least one direction. Alternatively or additionally, it is possible for the vehicle-side plug connection to be elastically displaceably connected to the vehicle via at least one vertical spring oriented in the x-direction.This at least one vertical spring is designed to press the vehicle-side plug connection relative to the height adjustment and / or the charging station-side plug connection and to compensate the position of the vehicle-side plug connection relative to the charging station-side plug connection in the x-direction.

[0020] The vehicle has a tapered or narrowing, funnel-shaped or truncated pyramid-shaped feed with a central axis, an inlet opening and an outlet opening, wherein the central axis is oriented, orientable or to be oriented parallel to the forward direction of travel of the vehicle and is delimited by the inlet opening and the outlet opening, wherein the inlet opening is larger than the outlet opening. The inlet opening faces an environment of the vehicle, wherein the outlet opening faces away from the environment and faces the vehicle, e.g. is arranged in and / or on the vehicle, wherein the vehicle-side plug connection is arranged in and / or on the outlet opening. Typically, the vehicle-side plug connection and the inlet opening are arranged in and / or on an outer wall of the vehicle, usually in a lower, front or rear area of ​​the vehicle.

[0021] The at least partially electrically powered vehicle is designed or described as a battery electric vehicle (BEV) or a hybrid vehicle (PHEV, plug-in hybrid electric vehicle).

[0022] Typically, the first connector with and / or in the tolerance compensator is the charging station-side connector, and the second connector is the vehicle-side connector, with the tolerance compensator in this case being located at the charging station. Alternatively, it is possible for the first connector with and / or in the tolerance compensator to be the vehicle-side connector and the second connector to be the charging station-side connector, with the tolerance compensator in this case being located on and / or in the vehicle.

[0023] The system can comprise at least one, typically optical, sensor, e.g., a camera, a radar sensor, or an ultrasonic sensor, which is configured to detect a position and / or movement of the vehicle and / or the vehicle-side plug connection relative to the charging station and / or relative to the charging station-side plug connection. The at least one sensor is arranged on the vehicle and / or in a fixed location, e.g., at, on, or next to the charging station.

[0024] The method according to the invention is provided for charging an electrical energy storage device of at least one vehicle using a system, usually using an embodiment of the system presented. The system has a charging station with a plug connection on the charging station side and a height adjustment, a vehicle-side plug connection for the vehicle and a tolerance compensator. The tolerance compensator is or is usually only provided and / or designed for and assigned to a first of the two plug connections, wherein the system only has one tolerance compensator for one of the two plug connections in or on the charging station or in or on the vehicle. An x-direction, a y-direction and a z-direction, which are each oriented perpendicular to one another, are or are provided for the system. For the vehicle-side plug connection of a specific vehicle under the at least one vehicle, a target height is defined as a specific orA specified height is provided in the z-direction. A height of the charging station-side plug connection for the specific vehicle under the at least one vehicle, measured from the ground, is set to the target height of the vehicle-side plug connection using the height adjustment in the z-direction and is at least temporarily fixed at this target height of the vehicle-side plug connection, whereby the height of the charging station-side plug connection is adapted to the target height of the vehicle-side plug connection of the specific vehicle, measured from the ground. In this embodiment, it is possible for the usually specified height of the vehicle-side plug connection and thus the specific target height provided for this purpose to be varied, e.g. via an air suspension system of the vehicle.

[0025] To carry out an autonomous charging process and / or coupling process of the two plug connections, a forward direction of travel of the vehicle is aligned or oriented parallel to the x-direction and the vehicle-side plug connection of the usually slow-moving vehicle is brought closer to the charging station-side plug connection in the x-direction. The tolerance compensator compensates a position of the first plug connection, of the two plug connections, to which the tolerance compensator is assigned, relative to a second plug connection or the other plug connection, of the two plug connections, in at least one of the intended directions, i.e. in the x-, y- and / or z-direction, and the first plug connection is more precisely adjusted and / or positioned relative to the second plug connection, wherein the two plug connections are further electrically and mechanically connected and / or coupled to one another.

[0026] The charging station-side connector is inserted into an inlet opening of a tapered inlet of the vehicle, with the charging station-side connector being aligned and positioned with the tolerance compensator as soon as it comes into contact with the inlet of the approaching vehicle and continues to approach the vehicle-side connector. The charging station-side connector is electrically coupled and / or connected to the vehicle-side connector at and / or in an outlet opening of the inlet. A charging flap can be arranged on the inlet or its inlet opening to temporarily close the inlet opening. When closed, this flap separates the vehicle-side connector from the vehicle's surroundings.Before the coupling and / or charging process and a relative positioning of the charging station-side plug connection to the vehicle-side plug connection, the initially closed charging flap is opened manually and / or automatically and closed again manually and / or automatically after the coupling and / or charging process.

[0027] The two connectors are designed to be complementary, compatible, and / or snug, with one connector or its electrical interface being designed as a charging plug, and the other connector or its electrical interface being designed as a charging socket or charging receptacle. When the two connectors are connected and / or coupled, they can be used to transmit electrical energy from the charging station or from an energy source at the charging station to the vehicle or its energy storage device.

[0028] After the height of the charging station-side plug connection has been adjusted to the intended and / or specified target height of the vehicle-side plug connection in the z-direction, at least one kinematic parameter, for example a current relative position and / or a relative speed and / or acceleration, for a relative movement of the vehicle and thus of the vehicle-side plug connection, usually parallel to the x-direction or forward direction of travel and / or in the y-direction, is monitored and / or recorded by at least one usually optical sensor for position determination when approaching the charging station and thus the charging station-side plug connection. Furthermore, it is provided that the vehicle or the vehicle-side plug connection is automatically and / or manually controlled and / or moved relative to the charging station or the vehicle-side plug connection, taking into account the at least one kinematic parameter recorded by a sensor.the charging station-side plug connection is moved and / or is to be moved, wherein the vehicle is maneuvered, for example, by steering the vehicle's wheels as during a parking maneuver. It is possible for the vehicle to be monitored, controlled and / or maneuvered autonomously or automatically, usually by actuators of the vehicle. Alternatively or additionally, usually moving images of the at least one sensor, e.g. designed as a camera, can be shown to a driver of the vehicle on a display panel or display of the vehicle, wherein the driver can manually adjust and / or change the position and movement of the vehicle-side plug connection relative to the charging station-side plug connection when maneuvering the vehicle.

[0029] The system and method can be used for different vehicles or a selection of vehicles, each of which has a vehicle-side plug connection that is arranged at a target height in the z-direction that is specified for the respective or specific vehicle. First, the height of the charging station-side plug connection is adapted and / or set or adjusted to the target height of the vehicle-side plug connection of the specific vehicle among the different vehicles, and the correspondingly vertically adjusted tolerance compensator continues to be temporarily and removably fixed to the bracket. Regardless of the height set for the charging station-side plug connection for the respective vehicle, a more precise position and thus, among other things,A more precise height of the charging station-side plug connection relative to the vehicle-side plug connection can also be adjusted and / or adjusted more precisely or finely using the springs of the tolerance compensator.

[0030] It is possible to automatically or autonomously and / or manually couple the two connectors with the tolerance compensator for at least one of the connectors of a charging socket system compatible with the vehicle, connect them to each other, and establish electrical contact between the charging station's electrical energy source and the vehicle's electrical energy storage device. The charging station with height adjustment and the tolerance compensator or tolerance compensation system provides a simple charging system that can be individually adapted to each vehicle.

[0031] The charging station's plug connection is usually connected to an electrical power supply or energy source, such as a so-called wallbox, via at least one cable. In one embodiment, the charging station or the charging station-side plug connection can be connected to an existing energy source, such as a wallbox, via an additional charging socket and a charging cable connected to it. In addition, the charging station-side plug connection, designed, for example, as a charging plug, is arranged in a front area or coupling area of ​​the charging station and faces the approaching vehicle. The additional charging socket for the wallbox is arranged in a rear area of ​​the charging station and faces away from the charging station-side plug connection. The charging station-side plug connection is connected to the energy source, designed, for example, as a wallbox, via the additional charging socket and the charging cable, and is supplied with electrical power by this.The charging socket and charging cable can, for example, be designed according to the CCS Type 2, CHAdeMO, NACS or a manufacturer-specific standard.

[0032] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combination specified in each case, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0033] The invention is illustrated schematically in the drawing using embodiments and is described schematically and in detail with reference to the drawing. Fig. 1a, Fig. 1b, Fig. 1c, Fig. 1d, Fig. 1e show a schematic representation of a first embodiment of the system according to the invention for carrying out an embodiment of the method according to the invention. Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b show, in a schematic representation, details of a second and third embodiment of the system according to the invention for carrying out the embodiment of the method according to the invention. Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of details of a fourth embodiment of the system according to the invention for carrying out the embodiment of the method according to the invention.

[0034] The figures are described coherently and comprehensively. The same reference symbols are assigned to the same components.

[0035] Fig. 1a shows a schematic representation of the first components of the first embodiment of the system according to the invention. Fig. 1b and Fig. 1e show a schematic representation of a detail from Fig. 1a. Fig. 1c shows a schematic representation of further components of the system according to the invention. Fig. Figure 1d shows a schematic representation of the first embodiment of the system according to the invention. The system is provided with an x-direction, a y-direction, and a z-direction, which are shown in the Fig. 1a and Fig. 1d are indicated.

[0036] The first embodiment of the system according to the invention comprises a Fig. 1a schematically shows an electric charging station 2 with a tolerance compensator 3 and a bracket 4 with integrated height adjustment. The bracket 4, which is post- and / or column-shaped here, or a base thereof, is fixedly connected to or attached to a floor 22 or subsurface via first fastening modules 6. The tolerance compensator 3 is attached to the bracket 4, which is oriented vertically in the z-direction here, via second fastening modules 8. The fastening modules 6, 8 are designed as screws, bolts, and / or nuts or comprise screws, bolts, and / or nuts.

[0037] The tolerance compensator 3 has an outer housing 10 and an inner housing 14 arranged therein. The inner housing 14 is elastically movable or movably connected via vertical springs 12, which are oriented in the x-direction here, with a vertical guide channel 11 being arranged within the outer housing 10 for each vertical spring 12. The outer housing 10 encloses a cylindrical interior whose axis of symmetry is oriented in the x-direction. The inner housing 14, which is movably arranged therein, has a cylindrical outer wall and encloses a central channel 19 whose axis of symmetry is oriented in the x-direction. An electrical plug connection 20, here a charging plug, with an electrical interface 24 on the charging station side is arranged in the central channel 19.The charging station-side plug connection 20 is connected to an electrical energy source of the charging station 2 via a cable 21 as an electrical line.

[0038] The tolerance compensator 3 and the charging station-side plug connection 20 arranged therein are in Fig. 1b is shown schematically in a plan view parallel to the x-direction. A plurality of, here eight, radially oriented guide channels 15 are arranged in the inner housing 14. The radial guide channels 15 are arranged equiangularly, i.e., at the same angular distance relative to one another, and are distributed around the central channel 19, wherein the angular distance for the eight radial guide channels 15 here is 360° / 8 = 45°. A radial spring 18 and a ball 16 are arranged as a pressure element in each radial guide channel 15. In this embodiment, it is provided that each radial guide channel 15 has a diameter that is at least as large as the respective diameter of a ball 16 and radial spring 18 arranged therein. Each radial guide channel 15 has an outer end facing away from the central channel 19 and is delimited by a boundary wall 48.In addition, each radial guide channel 15 has an inner end facing the central channel 19, which is delimited by a circular opening 50 whose diameter is smaller than that of the ball 16 located in the radial guide channel 15. An inner wall of the inner housing, which encloses the central channel 19, has the circular opening 50 at the location of a respective radial guide channel 15. Each radial spring 18 in each radial guide channel 15 presses the ball 16 as a pressure element in the direction of the central channel 19, with one pole of a ball 16 being pressed through the circular opening 50 into the central channel 19 and one ball segment being arranged as part of the ball 16 in the central channel 19 and / or being pressed into it due to a tension of the radial spring 18 and / or against a restoring force of the radial springs 18.In addition, the spherical segments of the balls 16 arranged in the central channels 19 press against an outer wall of the charging station-side plug connection 20. The charging station-side plug connection 20 is usually largely centered or centrally arranged and / or clamped in the central channel 19 by the spherical segments of the balls 16 pressed by the radial springs 18 as pressure elements. Details on this can also be found in . Fig. 1e stands out.

[0039] Fig. 1d shows a vehicle 30, a detail of which is shown in Fig. 1c is shown enlarged. The vehicle 30 has, in a lower front area and / or in the rear area, here between a bumper 32 and a diffuser 34 as an aerodynamic component, a feed 38 with an inlet opening on the outer wall and an outlet opening inside the vehicle 30. The funnel-shaped feed 38 here tapers from the inlet opening to the outlet opening parallel to the forward direction of travel, wherein the inlet opening has a larger diameter than the outlet opening. Arranged at the edge of the inlet opening is a loading flap 40, with which the feed 38 is closed while the vehicle 30 is traveling when the loading flap 40 is in a closed position.

[0040] A vehicle-side electrical connector 36, here a charging socket, is arranged in the vehicle, which is designed to fit and / or be compatible with the charging station-side connector 20 or the charging plug. The vehicle-side connector 36 is connected to an electrical energy storage device, e.g., a battery, of the vehicle 30. Furthermore, Fig. 1d shows a camera 42 of the vehicle 30, which is arranged as an optical sensor on an outer wall of the vehicle 30, a display panel 44 or display in an interior of the vehicle 30, and a computer-aided driver assistance system 46 of the vehicle 30, wherein the driver assistance system 46 is provided and / or implemented by a control unit of the vehicle 30. To carry out a coupling process for coupling and / or connecting the two plug connections 20, 36 for a charging process to be carried out, in the embodiment of the method according to the invention, the charging flap 40 is moved either automatically or manually into an open position and the feed 38 is exposed to the surroundings of the vehicle 30.

[0041] Since the vehicle-side electrical plug connection 36 or charging socket of a respective vehicle 30 can be located at different heights in the z-direction depending on the vehicle type, sedan or SUV, the tolerance compensator 3 and thus also the charging station-side plug connection 20 arranged in the inner housing 14 are arranged at a respectively provided target height to carry out the coupling process for a specific vehicle 30, wherein the height of the charging station-side plug connection 20 set or to be set using the height adjustment corresponds to the target height of the vehicle-side plug connection 36 of the specific vehicle 30. For this purpose, it is provided that the holder 4 has the height adjustment or a height positioning module which extends vertically along the holder 4 in the z-direction and here has at least one elongated hole, here for example two elongated holes.In this case, the tolerance compensator 3 and the charging station-side plug connection 20 are displaced vertically along the holder 4 until they have a respective intended vertical position or height, wherein they are fixed in this position with and / or on the holder 4 via the fastening modules 8, e.g. a screw connection, and are individually at least roughly adjusted and / or positioned for the specific vehicle 30 in the z-direction.

[0042] If both plug connections 20, 36 have the same height, the method provides that the vehicle 30 is aligned with the vehicle-side plug connection 36 or its forward travel direction parallel to the x-direction and is moved and approached in the direction of the charging station 2 with the charging station-side plug connection 20, i.e. in the x-direction and possibly also in the y-direction. In this case, a position of the vehicle-side plug connection 36 relative to the charging station-side plug connection 20 is recorded by the camera 42 on the vehicle 30. Information on the respective spatial position of the vehicle-side plug connection 36 relative to the charging station-side plug connection 20 is shown to a driver of the vehicle 30 on the display panel 44 and / or on a mobile device, e.g., a smartphone, and / or provided to the driver assistance system 46 and / or control unit.Taking this information into account, the driver can manually steer and / or maneuver the vehicle 30. Alternatively or additionally, the vehicle 30 can be automatically steered and / or maneuvered by the driver assistance system 46 and / or the control unit.

[0043] When the two plug connections 20, 36 are electrically and mechanically connected and / or coupled to one another due to a movement of the vehicle 30 relative to the charging station 2 and the tolerance compensator 3, the position of the charging-station-side plug connection 20, which is adjustably mounted in the radial guide channels 15 via the radial springs 18 and balls 16 as pressure elements, is more precisely positioned relative to the vehicle-side plug connection 36 in the y-direction and also in the z-direction. Furthermore, the inner housing 14, with the charging-station-side plug connection 20 arranged therein, is also more precisely positioned relative to the outer housing 10 and also the holder 4 in the x-direction via the vertical springs 12, against a restoring force of the vertical springs 12.

[0044] During the coupling process of the two plug connections 20, 36 for the charging process, tolerance compensation is possible in at least one of the x, y, and / or z directions with the tolerance compensator 3. Minor fluctuations in the height of the vehicle-side plug connection 36, for example, due to varying tire pressure of the vehicle 30 and / or varying load of the vehicle 30, can be compensated. Furthermore, it enables tolerance compensation during the coupling process in the y direction in order to compensate for minor fluctuations during autonomous maneuvering of the vehicle 30, such as during a parking maneuver.

[0045] In one embodiment, the driver assistance system 46 and / or control unit of the vehicle 30 is used for coupling, wherein an autonomous coupling process is initiated in which the vehicle 30 is parked relative to the charging station 2. By means of at least one optical sensor, i.e. the camera 42 of the vehicle 30, the vehicle 30 is maneuvered into the correct position in the x and y directions relative to the charging station 2. In an alternative embodiment, a correct position of the vehicle 30 relative to the charging station 2 can be learned once, wherein the vehicle 30 or its control unit and / or its driver assistance system 46, starting from a starting point to the charging station 2 in the x and y directions, remembers the correct position and a route to reach the position during the coupling process, and a journey of the vehicle 30 along the remembered route can be activated by the driver.In a further embodiment, the target height of the vehicle-side plug connection 36 can also be adjusted and / or changed to the height of the charging station-side plug connection 20 by an air spring system of the vehicle 30. In this case, a specified target height relative to the ground 22 can be stored in the driver assistance system 46 and / or control unit. In one embodiment, during the autonomous parking and / or coupling process, the height of the vehicle-side plug connection 36 can be adjusted autonomously by the vehicle 30 or by its control unit and / or its driver assistance system 46.

[0046] The Fig. 2a and Fig. The further embodiments of the system shown in Figure 2b show a schematic representation of a connection of the interface 24 of the charging station-side plug connection 20 within the tolerance compensator 3 to an electrical energy source 54, which here is designed or referred to as a wall box, for example.

[0047] At the Fig. In the second embodiment of the system according to the invention shown in Figure 2a, a first end of the cable 21 or charging cable is connected to the charging station-side plug connection 20. A first electrical interface 56a is arranged at a second end of the cable 21. Furthermore, Fig. 2a, the energy source 54 is connected to a first end of an additional cable 58, with a second interface 56b arranged at a second end of the additional cable 58. One of the two interfaces 56a, 56b is designed as a charging socket and the other as a charging plug. The charging station-side plug connection 20 is connected to the electrical energy source 54 via the two cables 21, 58, which are at least temporarily and also detachably connected via the interfaces 56a, 56b.

[0048] In the case of the third embodiment of the system, for which Fig. 2b shows a detail, the charging cable 21 of the interface 24 of the charging station-side plug connection 20 within the tolerance compensator 3 is directly connected to the electrical energy source 54 via at least one further interface not shown in detail.

[0049] The fourth embodiment of the system differs from the one already described by the Fig. 1a to 1e shown first embodiment by the components within a respective guide channel 15. For this purpose, Fig.3, which shows such a guide channel 15 within the inner housing 14 of the tolerance compensator 3 of the fourth embodiment of the system in detail, wherein here too a plurality of guide channels 15 are arranged equiangularly within the inner housing 14 around the central channel 19 with the charging station-side plug connection 20 located therein. In each radial guide channel 15, two radial springs 18 and a flat cylinder 52 are arranged as a pressure element. The two radial springs 18 in each radial guide channel 15 press the cylinder 52 as a pressure element in the direction of the central channel 19, wherein the charging station-side plug connection 20 is usually largely centered or centrally arranged and / or clamped in the central channel 19 by the cylinders 52, which are pressed by the radial springs 18, as pressure elements. REFERENCE SYMBOL: 2 charging stations 3 tolerance compensators 4 Bracket 6, 8 Mounting module 10 housings 11 Guide channel 12 springs 14 housings 15 Guide channel 16 balls 18 spring 19 Central Canal 20 plug connection 21 cables 22 Floor 24 Interface 30 vehicles 32 bumpers 34 Diffuser 36 plug connection 38 Feed 40 tailgate 42 Camera 44 Display field 46 Driver assistance system 48 boundary wall 50 opening 52 cylinders 54 Energy source 56a, 56b interface 58 cables x, y, z direction

Claims

[1] A system for charging an electrical energy storage device of at least one vehicle (30), the system comprising a charging station (2) with a charging station-side plug connection (20) and a height adjustment, a vehicle-side plug connection (36) for the vehicle (30), and a tolerance compensator (3), the tolerance compensator (3) being designed for a first plug connection (20, 36) of the two plug connections (20, 36), an x-direction, a y-direction, and a z-direction being provided for the system, a target height in the z-direction being provided for the vehicle-side plug connection (36) of a specific vehicle (30) below the at least one vehicle (30), the height of the charging station-side plug connection (20) for the specific vehicle (30) below the at least one vehicle (30) being adjustable to the target height using the height adjustment in the z-direction,wherein, in order to carry out a coupling process, the vehicle (30) with the vehicle-side plug connection (36) is to be brought closer to the charging station-side plug connection (20), wherein the tolerance compensator (3) for the first plug connection (20, 36) is designed to compensate for a position of the first plug connection (20, 36) relative to a second plug connection (20, 36) of the two plug connections (20, 36) in at least one direction, wherein the tolerance compensator (3) has a plurality of guide channels (15) which are arranged equiangularly around a central channel (19) for the first plug connection (20, 36), wherein at least one radial spring (18) and one pressure element are arranged in each guide channel (15), wherein in each case a radial spring (18) of the tolerance compensator (3) is designed to press the pressure element arranged with it in a respective guide channel (15) against the first plug connection arranged in the central channel (19) (20, 36) to press., [2] System according to claim 1, wherein the charging station-side plug connection (20) is elastically displaceably connected to the height adjustment via at least one vertical spring (12) oriented in the x-direction, wherein the at least one vertical spring (12) is designed to press the charging station-side plug connection (20) towards the vehicle-side plug connection (36). [3] System according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the vehicle (30) has a tapered feed (38) with a central axis, an inlet opening and an outlet opening, wherein the central axis is oriented in the x-direction and is limited by the inlet opening and the outlet opening, wherein the inlet opening is larger than the outlet opening, wherein the inlet opening faces an environment of the vehicle (30), wherein the outlet opening faces away from the environment, wherein the vehicle-side plug connection (36) is arranged in the outlet opening. [4] System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first plug connection (20) is the charging station-side plug connection (20) and the second plug connection (36) is the vehicle-side plug connection (36). [5] System according to one of the preceding claims, which has at least one optical sensor which is designed to detect a position of the vehicle-side plug connection (36) relative to the charging station-side plug connection (20). [6] System according to one of the preceding claims, in which the charging station (2) has a holder (4) along which the tolerance compensator (3) with the height adjustment is arranged so as to be vertically displaceable. [7] A method for charging an electrical energy storage device of at least one vehicle (30) with a system comprising a charging station (2) with a charging station-side plug connection (20) and a height adjustment, a vehicle-side plug connection (36) for the vehicle (30), and a tolerance compensator (3), wherein the tolerance compensator (3) is provided for a first plug connection (20, 36) of the two plug connections (20, 36), wherein an x-direction, a y-direction, and a z-direction are provided for the system, wherein a target height in the z-direction is provided for the vehicle-side plug connection (36) of a specific vehicle (30) under the at least one vehicle (30), wherein a height of the charging station-side plug connection (20) for the specific vehicle (30) under the at least one vehicle (30) is set to the target height using the height adjustment in the z-direction,wherein, to carry out a coupling process, the vehicle (30) with the vehicle-side plug connection (36) is brought closer to the charging station-side plug connection (20) in the x-direction, wherein the tolerance compensator (3) compensates for a position of the first plug connection (20, 36) relative to a second plug connection (20, 36) of the two plug connections (20, 36) in at least one direction, wherein the tolerance compensator (3) has a plurality of guide channels (15) arranged equiangularly around a central channel (19) for the first plug connection (20, 36), wherein at least one radial spring (18) and one pressure element are arranged in each guide channel (15), wherein a respective radial spring (18) of the tolerance compensator (3) is designed to press the pressure element arranged with it in a respective guide channel (15) against the first plug connection (20, 36) arranged in the central channel (19). [8] Method according to claim 7, wherein at least one kinematic parameter of the vehicle (30) is detected by at least one optical sensor when approaching the charging station (2), wherein the vehicle (30) is moved relative to the charging station (2) taking into account the at least one kinematic parameter.

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