Charging interface, charging interface system and method for electrically contacting a vehicle

Abstract

A charging interface (1) for supplying electrical energy to a vehicle is provided. The charging interface (1) comprises a bollard (2) with a bollard head (3) and a bollard body (4). The bollard head (3) has at least one contact (5) for transmitting electrical energy. The bollard head (3) can be transferred between a contact position, in which the at least one contact (5) can make electrical contact with the vehicle, and a securing position, in which the at least one contact (5) is secured. Furthermore, a method for making electrical contact with a vehicle is provided.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a charging interface for supplying electrical energy to a vehicle, a charging interface system and a method for electrically contacting a vehicle.

[0002] There are various concepts for charging electrically powered vehicles. There are concepts in which the vehicle is electrically contacted from above, below, or from the side. Other methods are also differentiated into conductive and inductive charging methods. The installation of such charging systems in public spaces is problematic. Firstly, the charging systems must be protected from external influences such as rain, snow, hail, sand, objects, vandalism, etc. Secondly, the systems must be easily accessible so that charging is simple. Furthermore, good accessibility is also a prerequisite for autonomous charging. In addition, a high level of personal protection must be guaranteed, particularly in public spaces but also in private or commercial environments, to prevent personal injury.

[0003] Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a charging system which is capable of being arranged in public spaces without endangering other persons.

[0004] The above problem is solved with a charging interface having the features of claim 1, a charging interface system having the features of claim 6 and with a method for electrically contacting a vehicle having the features of claim 12.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a charging interface for supplying electrical energy to a vehicle is provided, the charging interface comprising: a bollard having a bollard head and a bollard body, the bollard head having at least one contact for transmitting electrical energy, and the bollard head being transferable between a contact position in which the at least one contact can electrically contact the vehicle and a securing position in which the at least one contact is secured.

[0006] Compared to the known prior art, the present invention provides the effect that at least one contact is always in the safety position and can only be transferred to the contact position for charging a vehicle. This allows the charging interface to be easily installed in public spaces, even near large crowds, without posing any danger. Furthermore, the option of arranging the charging interface in a bollard offers the possibility of easily integrating the charging interface into existing bollards. In this way, charging infrastructure can be provided in public spaces without the need for extensive new construction.

[0007] The bollard can be a pole or post that is fixed or movable in the ground. In particular, the bollard can also be referred to as a post or small pillar and can be an element made of metal, wood and / or concrete. A bollard is preferably used to prevent vehicles from driving or parking in areas such as sidewalks, cycle paths or pedestrian zones. To allow temporary passage, for example for fire engines and other emergency vehicles, the bollard can be designed as a folding bollard or a plug-in bollard. The bollard can have a substantially elongated main extension. The upper part of the bollard in the direction of gravity (i.e. the part at the outer end of the bollard) can be referred to as the bollard head. The remaining part of the bollard can be referred to as the bollard body. The bollard body can thus create a connection between the bollard head and the ground.The bollard head can have at least one electrical contact. Thus, the bollard head can, for example, be connected to a power source such that electrical energy can be transmitted via the at least one contact. The bollard can, for example, be connected to the power grid. A cable can be routed through the bollard body to the bollard head and terminate at the at least one contact. Thus, upon appropriate contact with the at least one contact, energy can be transmitted in the form of electrical current. In particular, upon contact between the at least one contact and a vehicle, an energy storage device located in the vehicle can be charged. The bollard preferably comprises four contacts. This allows a sufficiently high current to be transmitted to charge an electric vehicle in a reasonable time. The at least one contact is preferably designed such that it is suitable for all current classes up to 1 kA.The bollard head can in particular be moved back and forth between a contact position and a securing position. In other words, the bollard head can be moved from a position in which the at least one contact can be electrically contacted to another position in which the at least one contact cannot be electrically contacted. This ensures a high level of security against unwanted electrical contact with the at least one contact. In particular, the transfer between the securing position and the contact position can only take place when the bollard head is in the immediate vicinity of a corresponding charging interface, for example of a vehicle. In this case, it is preferably provided that the vehicle drives over the charging interface and only then is the bollard head moved from the securing position to the contact position.This ensures that no person is near the bollard head and thus runs the risk of coming into contact with at least one contact. Furthermore, the locking position ensures that at least one contact is always protected from environmental influences. This can improve the durability of the charging interface. Furthermore, contamination of at least one contact can be prevented.

[0008] The charging interface preferably also has a bollard bearing designed to movably mount the bollard. In particular, the charging interface can be sunk into the ground at ground level. Thus, the charging interface can also be provided on retractable bollards. Such bollards can be used to clear a path for authorized vehicles. Furthermore, such bollards can be provided in conventional parking spaces and stowed in the ground when not in use. It is also conceivable that the charging interface can serve as a parking space reservation. For example, a parking space can be reserved in advance, whereupon the charging interface extends out of the ground to keep the parking space free for the customer. Once the customer has arrived at the parking space, the bollard can be moved to release the parking space. Once the parking process is complete, the vehicle can then be charged via the charging interface.This allows several functions to be combined with the charging interface.

[0009] The bollard can preferably be moved from a first position to a second position. The first position is preferably the position arranged in the ground or underground. The second position can be an extended position of the bollard. Nevertheless, the bollard can also assume intermediate positions between the first position and the second position. This means that the bollard can adapt to different vehicle heights (i.e. a distance between the vehicle underbody and the road surface) and always bring the bollard head into the immediate vicinity of the vehicle (in the event of a desired charging process). Furthermore, the bollard can also be used as an theft deterrent. For example, the bollard can mark the boundary of a parking space and, once the parking process has been completed, can be moved behind the vehicle into the second position so that the vehicle can no longer be moved away from the parking space.

[0010] Preferably, the bollard head is further away from the bollard bearing in the second position than in the first position. In other words, the bollard head can be located at a distal end of the bollard. The bollard can be movably mounted in the bollard bearing at a proximal end of the bollard. The mounting can be implemented, for example, by a projection on the bollard body or on the bollard bearing and a corresponding recess on the other corresponding component. This can ensure that the bollard cannot twist about its axis.

[0011] Preferably, the bollard support is designed so that it is recessed into the ground, and the bollard is at ground level in the first position. In other words, the charging interface can be located entirely underground. This offers the advantage that the charging interface can be arranged in a particularly space-saving manner. The ground-level arrangement of the bollard also allows vehicles to easily drive over the charging interface, for example, in road traffic. Furthermore, the charging interface is additionally protected against environmental influences and vandalism in the first position.

[0012] The bollard is preferably designed in such a way that it can be driven over by vehicles in the first position without being damaged. In other words, motor vehicles and commercial vehicles can easily drive over the charging interface in the first position without the charging interface being damaged. For this purpose, the bollard can rest on a stop in the bollard bearing at its proximal end in the first position. This means that the force that occurs when a vehicle drives over the charging interface can be kept away from the bollard drive and can be introduced directly into the ground via the bollard bearing. Damage in this case means that the bollard can no longer properly perform its intended function (i.e. act as a charging interface).

[0013] Preferably, the at least one contact can only be moved from the securing position to the contact position in the second position. In other words, the bollard head cannot be moved from the securing position to the contact position in the first position (i.e., in the retracted position). This prevents the at least one contact from being inadvertently exposed in the first position of the bollard, thus posing a danger to persons nearby.

[0014] The bollard head is preferably movable relative to the bollard body, in particular rotatable and / or tiltable. The cylinder head (also referred to as the cylinder cover) can be freely mounted relative to the cylinder body. This allows tolerances when the vehicle is parked relative to the bollard to be compensated. In other words, it is not necessary to position the vehicle with the vehicle charging interface directly above the charging interface, as smaller tolerances can be compensated by the mobility of the bollard head. This allows simple use of the charging interface. Furthermore, the bollard head can rotate freely relative to the bollard body. The bollard head preferably has a cylindrical cross-sectional shape. The cylindrical shape allows the tolerance of a vehicle parked at an angle or incline to be compensated.In other words, the bollard head can be rotated so that at least one contact fits the vehicle interface. This can further simplify the positioning of the vehicle above the charging interface. In addition, the bollard head can tilt like a ball socket to compensate for movements of the vehicle, for example when a person gets in and out and / or the vehicle is loaded and unloaded. This can compensate for relative movements between the vehicle and the charging interface and prevent damage. In addition, the bollard head can lift itself from the bollard body in an axial movement (i.e. along the main extension direction of the bollard) of the bollard body to enable tilting / inclination. This makes it easy to tilt the bollard head.

[0015] Preferably, the at least one contact is covered by a cover in the secured position so that the at least one contact is secured. This allows active protection of the at least one contact. Furthermore, the one contact can be inaccessible from the outside in the secured position. Furthermore, the contact can be protected from dirt, grime, environmental influences and vandalism by the cover. The cover can be arranged such that it is tilted when transferred from the secured position to the contact position. This allows coarse dirt to be tipped off the bollard head or the cover. Furthermore, the cover can be designed such that it slides a cover onto the vehicle charging interface as soon as it is transferred from the secured position to the contact position.Similarly, the cover can reclose a vehicle charging interface when the cover is moved from the contact position to the secure position. This allows the vehicle charging interface to be designed particularly simply, since a cover provided there can be pushed open (i.e., operated) through the cover on the bollard head. This ensures that the contacts on the vehicle interface and the bollard head are moved into the contact position simultaneously, achieving the highest possible level of safety.

[0016] Preferably, the cover is designed such that, in the secured position, it forms a flat surface with the bollard head. In the contact position, the cover, together with the at least one contact, can be lifted from the bollard head in a rotational movement. Thus, with a simple movement, both the at least one contact can be moved into the contact position and the cover of a vehicle charging interface can be moved to the side.

[0017] Preferably, the at least one contact is displaced in a radial direction of the bollard head during transfer from the securing position to the contact position. In other words, the at least one contact can be extended radially out of the bollard head relative to the latter. The radial direction can extend orthogonally to the main direction of extension of the bollard. Thus, the at least one contact can be arranged inside the bollard head in the securing position, whereas the at least one contact can be arranged outside the bollard head in the contact position. The bollard head can have at least one contact opening. The number of contact openings can correspond to the number of contacts. One contact can be passed through each contact opening. In the securing position, the at least one contact opening can be closed.For this purpose, for example, a ring element can be arranged within the bollard head. This ring element has recesses that correspond to the contact openings of the bollard head. By rotating the ring element around the axis of the bollard, the recesses in the ring element can be superimposed on the contact openings, allowing the contact to be extended from the contact opening. In the secured position, the ring element can be rotated so that the contact opening of the bollard head is closed by the ring element. This allows a simple construction to be realized that protects the contacts from environmental influences and unwanted contact. The bollard head preferably has a circular cross-section.

[0018] The bollard head preferably has a shaped element designed to position the bollard head in an interface of the vehicle. The shaped element can, for example, be a chamfer provided on the bollard head. This allows an aligning function (for example, centering) to be realized if the vehicle is not precisely positioned. Furthermore, it is conceivable for the shaped element to be a projecting element that interacts with a corresponding element on the vehicle to bring the bollard head into a correct position relative to the vehicle charging interface. This can, for example, be combined with the above-described displaceability of the bollard head relative to the bollard body.

[0019] The bollard head preferably has a data transfer element designed to exchange data with the vehicle. The data transfer element can, for example, establish a wireless or wired connection to the vehicle to be charged. For example, an additional contact for data transmission can be provided on the bollard head. Alternatively or additionally, a wireless connection can also be implemented via WLAN, Bluetooth, NFC, or the like. This allows information about the charging process, the power provided, the charging status of the energy storage device in the vehicle, planned charging cycles, etc. to be exchanged. This enables individual and dynamic charging.

[0020] The bollard head and / or the bollard body preferably have a cylindrical shape, at least in sections. The bollard can extend along a bollard axis (i.e. along the main direction of extension of the bollard). The bollard is preferably rotationally symmetrical relative to the bollard axis. This allows for particularly simple retraction to move the bollard into the first position. Furthermore, a cylindrical body can reduce the risk of injury in public spaces. Furthermore, a cylindrical bollard can be particularly easily adapted to the position of a vehicle to be charged (for example by tilting, rotating, etc.), thus enabling particularly simple operation of the charging interface.

[0021] The charging interface preferably comprises an actuator, wherein the transfer of the at least one contact from the contact position to the securing position and the transfer of the bollard from the first position to the second position are carried out by the same actuator. In other words, the establishment of the contact position (i.e., either moving a cover and / or the at least one contact) and a movement of the bollard in the extension direction or the bollard axis direction can be carried out by one and the same drive or actuator. As a result, the charging interface can be designed more simply overall and have fewer wearing parts.

[0022] The actuator preferably comprises a pneumatic and / or an electric drive. As a result, the charging interface preferably has a sliding mechanism which is designed to translate an axial movement of an actuator which is provided in the charging interface into a radial movement of the at least one contact. The axial movement can be realized, for example, by the operation of the actuator and a threaded spindle driven thereby. The extension movement of the at least one contact and / or the cover can then be achieved via an inclined sliding surface. Thus, a particularly simple mechanism can be provided which can accomplish both the transfer of the bollard from the first position to the second position and vice versa, as well as the transfer from the securing position to the contact position and vice versa.

[0023] Preferably, the at least one contact is designed as a surface contact. This offers the advantage that the at least one contact of the bollard head does not have to match the orientation of a corresponding contact on the vehicle 100%. Rather, a surface contact allows a tolerance range within which the two contacts must overlap in order to transmit sufficient current. Preferably, the surface contacts are designed as angular, in particular rectangular, contacts. This offers the greatest possible overlap even when the vehicle is arranged at an angle or offset relative to the bollard head.

[0024] Preferably, the at least one contact is designed as a pin contact. The use of a pin contact is particularly suitable for the at least one contact that can be extended radially relative to the bollard head. The pins can be extended radially from the bollard head and inserted into corresponding sockets in the vehicle. A pin contact allows for particularly good contact between the charging interface and the vehicle.

[0025] The charging interface preferably has a securing element which is designed to allow a transfer from the securing position to the contact position of the at least one contact only when the bollard head is in contact with an interface of the vehicle. This allows security to be further increased, since the contact position can only be assumed when a vehicle is actually located in the immediate vicinity of the bollard head. The securing element can, for example, be a spring-loaded pin which protrudes from the bollard head and is pressed in by a corresponding component on the vehicle as soon as the vehicle approaches the bollard head. A mechanical mechanism can then release the transferability between the securing position and the contact position so that the contact position can be assumed. This can, for example, be achieved by a securing element (e.g.A retractable locking pin can be used. This prevents the contact position from being assumed without a vehicle nearby.

[0026] The bollard head preferably comprises a protective earthing system that surrounds the at least one contact at least partially, preferably completely. The protective earthing system can be a metal part that can prevent parts located on the at least one contact from inadvertently leading to high-voltage being released to a location that can be touched by humans.

[0027] The bollard head preferably has a heating element designed to heat the bollard head. This ensures smooth operation of the charging interface even in winter, since any ice or snow located on the bollard head can be removed by operating the heating element. Furthermore, icing of the at least one contact can be prevented. Furthermore, the functionality of any provided cover can be ensured even at low temperatures.

[0028] Preferably, the bollard head is formed at least partially from a conductive material, so that the bollard head can serve as a grounding point. Grounding can thus be provided in a particularly simple manner. The bollard head is preferably conductive, since the at least one contact is also arranged here.

[0029] The bollard head preferably has a shape that tapers towards the outer end. The outer end can correspond to the distal end of the bollard. The bollard head can have a truncated cone shape, at least in sections. This prevents dirt, grime, or other objects from accumulating on the bollard head. Furthermore, rainwater drains easily from the bollard head. In addition, the shape of the bollard head can serve as a centering feature upon contact with a vehicle charging interface, in order to align the bollard head.

[0030] The transfer from the first position to the second position preferably occurs in the direction of the bollard axis. The movement of the at least one contact in the radial direction of the bollard head is preferably oriented orthogonally to the bollard axis. When contacting the vehicle by means of the at least one contact, which is extendable in the radial direction of the bollard head, contact can therefore take place in the radial direction relative to the bollard. In contrast, contact between the at least one contact and the vehicle can be realized if a cover of the at least one contact is provided in the direction of the bollard axis or inclined to the bollard axis. A contact force of approximately 10 N is preferably realized between the at least one contact of the charging interface and a contact of the vehicle charging interface.This can be provided, for example, by the actuator, which can move the bollard from the first position to the second position.

[0031] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a method for electrically contacting a vehicle is provided, the method comprising: moving the charging interface according to one of the above embodiments from the first position to the second position so that the bollard head is brought into the immediate vicinity of a vehicle charging interface, transferring the bollard head from the securing position to the contact position in order to establish electrical contact between the vehicle and the at least one contact. Once contact is established, the electrical current can be supplied to the vehicle or to an energy storage device in the vehicle via the at least one contact of the charging interface. Furthermore, data exchange between the charging interface and the vehicle can be provided before or during the supply of current.

[0032] Individual features or embodiments can be combined with other features or other embodiments to form new embodiments. Embodiments and advantages mentioned in connection with the individual features or embodiments apply analogously to the new embodiments. Advantages and embodiments explained in connection with the device also apply analogously to the method, and vice versa.

[0033] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 is a schematic and perspective view of a charging interface according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a charging interface in the installed state according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B are schematic and perspective partial views of a charging interface according to an embodiment of the present invention in different operating positions. Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B are perspective and partial schematic views of a charging interface according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B are schematic partial views of a charging interface according to an embodiment of the present invention in different positions. Fig. 6A, Fig. 6B and Fig. 6C are schematic and perspective views of a charging interface according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 7 is a schematic view of a charging interface according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 8 shows various contact possibilities of contacts of a charging interface according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Fig. 1 shows a schematic and perspective view of a charging interface 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The charging interface 1 comprises a bollard 2 with a bollard head 3 and a bollard body 4. The bollard 2 is mounted displaceably in a bollard bearing 6. The bollard bearing 6 is installed at ground level on a subsurface 7. The bollard bearing 6 is flush with the surrounding subsurface 7. This can provide a particularly advantageous drive-over capability of the bollard bearing 6. The bollard 2 is a cylindrical component which extends along its longitudinal axis C, also referred to as the bollard axis or main extension direction of the bollard. The bollard 2 is displaceable relative to the bollard bearing 6. More precisely, the bollard 2 can be displaced along the bollard axis C, so that in a first position in which it is extended (ieis located above the ground 7), and in a second position in which the bollard is located below the ground 7. This allows the bollard 2 to be moved between a first position and a second position, wherein the bollard 2 can be driven over in the second position. Thus, the representation of the bollard 2 in . Fig. 1 the first position of the bollard 2 or the charging interface 1.

[0035] Fig. 2 is a schematic sectional view of the charging interface 1 of Fig. 1. In the Fig. 2, the charging interface 1 is in the second position. More precisely, the charging interface 1 is in the Fig. 2 shown position in the second position (ie in the retracted position). Dashed line is in Fig. 2 shows the subsurface 7, which is characterized by its upper edge or ground level. Thus, in the present embodiment, the bollard 2 is located entirely below the ground level 7. Furthermore, the charging interface 1 has a power connection 8, with which the charging interface 1 is or can be connected to the power grid. The remaining structure with regard to filling and storage of the bollard support 6 or the entire charging interface 1 in the subsurface corresponds to that of known movable bollard systems.

[0036] Fig. 3A is a schematic and perspective partial view of a charging interface 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The charging interface 1 of the present embodiment essentially corresponds to the previously described charging interface, with the difference that the bollard head 3 is not fully retracted into the ground 7 when the charging point is in the first position. Rather, a small projection protrudes from the ground surface 7. Nevertheless, this bollard 2 of the present embodiment can also be easily driven over by a car or truck without damaging the charging interface 1. The slight projection of the charging interface (or bollard head 3) above the ground surface 7 makes it easier to locate the charging interface 1.

[0037] Fig. 3B is a schematic and perspective partial view of the charging interface 1 of Fig. 3A. In Fig. 3B, the charging interface 1 is now in the second position (ie a position in which the bollard head 3 is above the ground level 7). Furthermore, in Fig. 3B shows several covers 9 that secure the underlying contacts 5 (further details follow below). The covers 9 protect the contacts 5 from environmental influences and from unwanted contact or current flow.

[0038] Fig. Figure 4A shows a schematic and perspective view showing the charging interface 1 of Fig. 3B. Rather, the charging interface 1, as shown in Fig. 4A is arranged in the same position (the second position) as the charging interface 1 in Fig. 3B. In Fig. 4A, however, the bollard head 3 is displaced relative to the bollard body 4. More precisely, the bollard head 3 is designed to be displaced translationally orthogonally to the bollard axis C (see arrows in Fig. 4A). This allows the contacts 5, which are arranged under the covers 9, to be configured to be positioned so that the charging interface 1 can be optimally adapted to a vehicle to be charged. More specifically, the charging interface 1 can be adapted to a vehicle interface (not shown in the figure), even if the vehicle does not stop 100% precisely on the charging interface in a designated position.

[0039] Fig. 4B is a schematic and perspective partial view of a charging interface 1 according to another embodiment. The charging interface 1, as shown in Fig. 4B corresponds to the charging interface 1 from the Fig. 3B and Fig. 4A. In Fig. 4B, the arrows indicate that the bollard head 3 is rotatable relative to the bollard body 4 around the bollard axis C. This provides a further possibility for adapting the charging interface 1 to a vehicle interface.

[0040] Fig. 5A is a perspective and schematic detailed view of a charging interface 1 according to another embodiment. Fig. Charging interface 1 shown in Figure 5A corresponds to the Fig. 3B, Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B. In the present embodiment, the bollard head 3 can be tilted or inclined about a transverse axis that runs orthogonally to the bollard axis C. This also allows movements in the vehicle during contact between the contacts 5 and a vehicle charging interface to be compensated. For example, the vehicle may move relative to the ground when a person gets in or out. Due to the ability to tilt the bollard head 3 relative to the bollard body 4, such movements can be compensated without disrupting the charging process. Furthermore, Fig. 5A, the cover 9 is pushed aside and the contacts 5 are extended radially from the bollard head 3. The radial direction is defined with respect to the bollard axis C. More precisely, the radial direction extends orthogonally to the bollard axis C.

[0041] Fig. 5B is a schematic and perspective partial view of a charging interface 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The Fig. 5B shown charging interface of the Fig. 5A shown charging interface 1. In Fig. 5B, however, the bollard head 3 is not inclined relative to the bollard body 4. The Fig. The position shown in Figure 5B corresponds to the contact position. In contrast, the positions shown in Fig. 3A, Fig. 3B, Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B shown positions of the securing position.

[0042] Fig. 6A is a schematic and perspective view of a charging interface 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention. In principle, the present embodiment corresponds to the previously described embodiments, with the difference that the bollard head 3 now has a hinged cover. In the present embodiment, the transition between the contact position and the securing position is achieved by a relative movement of at least part of the bollard cover relative to the bollard body. In the securing position, the cover is flush with the bollard head.

[0043] Fig. 6B is a schematic and perspective sectional view of the Fig. 6A. It can be seen that in the secured position, the contacts 5 are accommodated inside the bollard head 3. The bollard head 3 comprises a pivotable element (the cover) that releases the contacts 5. In other words, the contact position is reached by moving the cover.

[0044] Fig. 6C is a schematic and perspective view of the Fig. 6A and Fig. 6B shown charging interface 1. In Fig. 6C, the charging interface 1 is in the contact position. In other words, the cover of the bollard head is folded out so that the contacts 5 are exposed to the environment and are ready to come into contact with a vehicle charging interface. The relatively movable cover of the bollard head 3 allows coarse dirt to be actively tipped off. In addition, the protection of the contacts 5 is increased. When the contacts 5 are folded out (i.e., during the relative movement of the bollard head 3 relative to the bollard body 4), a cover of a vehicle charging interface can be pushed onto the vehicle to be charged using the charging interface 1.

[0045] Fig. Figure 7 is a schematic view of a charging interface 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. On the left side of the Fig. 7, the bollard head 3 is shown schematically from above in the securing position. On the right side of the Fig. 7 shows the bollard head 3 in the contact position. In the present embodiment, the contacts 5 are designed as flat contacts. Thus, contact with a vehicle charging interface is established simply by contact with contact pressure. Therefore, no plug connection is necessary. This prevents unnecessary wear. The flat contacts allow the tolerance range regarding the relative position between the vehicle charging interface and the charging interface 1 to be increased.

[0046] In another embodiment not shown, the bollard 2 is not a cylindrical body, but rather a square or rectangular body (e.g., in plan view). In this case, the bollard also features flat contacts, as these can provide greater tolerance compensation in the event of a different positioning.

[0047] Fig. 8 is a schematic representation of flat contacts 5 and flat contacts of a vehicle charging interface 10 (not shown). In Fig. 8 it can be seen that the flat contacts, as described above, have a large tolerance compensation in case of different positioning between the vehicle charging interface and charging interface 1.

[0048] All of the above-mentioned embodiments offer the advantage that the electrical contacts 5 are always protected from environmental influences and are only exposed to the environment when a charging interface of a vehicle is in the immediate vicinity. Furthermore, contamination of the contacts is not possible. Moreover, contact with the contacts 5 is also not possible. The charging unit (i.e. the charging interface) can be sunk into the ground at ground level. When sunk, the charging unit and all its contacts are protected and inaccessible. Vehicles of all classes can drive over it without damaging the charging interface. Furthermore, no additional cover is required for the extendable bollard 2 since there are no open contacts on the top of the bollard 2. It is also conceivable that standard pin contacts are used. The contacts are available for all current classes up to 1 kA.If necessary, several pin contacts can be connected in parallel. Alternatively, contacts pressed flat against one another with a contact force of approximately 10 N / 100 A are also conceivable. This is particularly true for the pins shown in . Fig. 1 to 5B, personal safety is particularly ensured, since contacts 5 are only made after the charging interface 1 and the vehicle charging interface have been successfully connected. Fig. In the embodiments shown in Figures 6A to 6C, the contacts can be moved in translation in addition to folding out to extend them further from the bollard head 3. This can only be done when the cover is opened. A metal part that is inadvertently located on the charging interface can never lead to high voltage being released to a point that can be touched by humans, since the contacts are enclosed by metal parts of the protective earthing. List of reference symbols: 1 charging interface 2 bollards 3 bollard head 4 bollard bodies 5 Contact 6 bollard bearings 7 Ground level 8 Power connection 9 Cover 10 vehicle charging interface contacts

Claims

[1] Charging interface (1) for supplying electrical energy to a vehicle, comprising: a bollard (2) with a bollard head (3) and a bollard body (4), wherein the bollard head (3) has at least one contact (5) for transmitting electrical energy, and wherein the bollard head (3) can be transferred between a contact position in which the at least one contact (5) can electrically contact the vehicle and a securing position in which the at least one contact (5) is secured. [2] Charging interface (1) according to claim 1, wherein the charging interface (1) further comprises a bollard bearing (6) which is designed to movably support the bollard (2). [3] Charging interface (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the bollard (2) can be transferred from a first position to a second position. [4] Charging interface (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the bollard head (3) is movable relative to the bollard body (4), in particular rotatable and / or tiltable and / or displaceable. [5] Charging interface (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one contact (5) is covered by a cover (9) in the securing position, so that the at least one contact (5) is secured. [6] Charging interface (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one contact (5) is displaced in a radial direction of the bollard head (3) during the transfer from the securing position to the contact position. [7] Charging interface (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the charging interface comprises an actuator, wherein the transfer of the at least one contact (5) from the contact position to the securing position and the transfer of the bollard (2) from the first position to the second position are carried out by the same actuator. [8] Charging interface (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one contact (5) is designed as a flat contact. [9] Charging interface (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the bollard head (3) has a heating element designed to heat the bollard head (3). [10] Charging interface (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the bollard head (3) has a shape tapering towards the outer end. [11] Charging interface (1) according to one of the preceding claims, charging interface system comprising: a charging interface (1) according to one of the preceding claims, and a vehicle charging interface that can establish electrical contact with the at least one contact (5) of the charging interface (1). [12] A method for electrically contacting a vehicle, comprising: Moving the charging interface (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10 from the first position to the second position, so that the bollard head (3) is brought into the immediate vicinity of a vehicle charging interface, Transferring the bollard head (3) from the securing position to the contact position in order to establish an electrical contact between the vehicle and the at least one contact (5).

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