Connection device for electric vehicles

Abstract

Connection device (10) for electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles, comprising a housing (12), in particular at least one charging cable (14) and / or in particular at least one charging socket (16), characterized in that the charging cable (14) and / or the charging socket (16) are arranged or can be arranged in a storage position (18) in the housing (12) in such a way that the charging cable (14) and / or the charging socket (16) are not visible from outside the housing (12).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a connection device for electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Connection devices for charging electric or hybrid vehicles are known from the prior art. These connection devices can be, for example, a charging station, a wall box, a charging point, a charge point, an AC charger, a home charger, or similar. An electric or hybrid vehicle can be connected to the connection device for a charging process.

[0003] Charging electric vehicles is described, for example, in the IEC 61851-1 standard, which explains three charging connection options: A, B, and C. In connection options A and B, the vehicle is connected to the charging device via an external charging cable. For this purpose, the charging device has a Type 2 charging socket as an electrical receptacle, which is regulated, for example, in the IEC / EN 62196 standard. With connection option C, the vehicle is connected to the charging device via a charging cable including a Type 2 charging plug.

[0004] In conventional connection devices, the charging cable or charging socket is attached to the outside of the connection device or charging device. Since the charging cables, plugs, and sockets are standardized components, which are made of plastic, particularly for electrical safety reasons, this significantly impairs the appearance of the connection device. Such plastic components particularly affect the aesthetic appearance of the connection device.

[0005] For example, DE 10 2022 117 711 A1 shows a charging station for electric cars. A storage area is provided between a rear side and a visible side, around which a charging cable can be wound. Various decorative elements can be arranged on the visible side and secured in a holding frame. The holding frame can be glued or otherwise attached to the housing of the visible side. This allows the decorative element to be replaced, for example, for cleaning purposes or to create a different appearance.

[0006] Such charging stations can be installed indoors or outdoors. The charging cable, including the charging plug, and existing sockets are not protected from the elements. This can impair functionality, particularly in heavy rain or due to dust. Furthermore, the visual appearance is impaired by such dirty components. There are also disadvantages to using dirty components, with handling a wet or dusty charging plug or charging cable being particularly disadvantageous. Since starting a charging process must be done manually, the user comes into contact with all of these elements, exposing both the user and the vehicle, as well as the cable support, to dirt.

[0007] One possibility of arranging the charging plugs behind movable elements is known from the prior art. For example, CN 214564744 U shows a charging station in which several charging plugs are arranged. The total of six charging plugs are arranged behind individual cover elements, which visually conceals the charging plugs. However, the overall impression of the charging station is still dominated by the usual impression of a charging station, which means that the charging station does not aesthetically blend into the surroundings.

[0008] Therefore, current technology still provides options for adapting a charging station to its surroundings. One example is burying the charging station underground.

[0009] WO 2019 / 215423 A1 and US 11,479,135 B2 disclose charging stations that can be sunk into the ground when not in use, thereby improving the visual appearance.

[0010] DE 10 2022 104 722 A1 discloses a charging device that is installed on a floor surface and configured to charge an energy storage device mounted in a vehicle. This includes several charging stations, each having a movable unit. The movable unit can be raised from floor level. This allows charging. The visual appearance can therefore also be improved by lowering the charging station into the floor. Furthermore, an actuator can be used to control the automated retraction and extension of the movable unit.

[0011] Thus, the state of the art shows, on the one hand, the possibility of visually designing a charging station, whereby decorative elements can be used.

[0012] The disadvantage, however, is that the decorative element only covers the area around which the actual charging cable can be wrapped. Therefore, it's not possible to use the decorative element to change the visual appearance of the charging station in such a way that the charging station isn't perceived as such.

[0013] In another known design, the charging station is raised from the ground for use by a customer. When not in use, it can be sunk into the ground. The disadvantage of this design is that it requires a drive element and a mechanical system, which can be maintenance-intensive and costly. Moving the connecting cables can also cause damage. Another disadvantage is that retracting and extending the charging station takes a certain amount of time, which can be annoying.

[0014] The object of the present invention is to propose a connection device or charging station which overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0015] This object is achieved by a connection device or charging station according to the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0016] According to the invention, a connection device for electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles is proposed, comprising a housing, and in particular at least one charging cable and / or in particular at least one charging socket.

[0017] It is proposed that the charging cable and / or the charging socket are arranged or can be arranged in a storage position in the housing in such a way that the charging cable and / or the charging socket are not visible from outside the housing.

[0018] Advantageously, such a connecting device can therefore be visually enhanced, since a coherent cover element, which is designed in particular as a decorative element, enables a visually high-quality overall impression that can be individually adapted to the surroundings.

[0019] Advantageously, the cover element allows a charging cable to be stored in the connection device, protecting it from theft and vandalism, especially since access to the charging cable, including the charging plug or socket, is made more difficult for unauthorized users. Likewise, the charging cable and charging socket can be protected from contamination caused by weather influences and moisture. This ensures a long service life for the components and, at the same time, provides comfortable use for a user who manually handles the charging cable and socket.

[0020] In an advantageous embodiment, the storage position can represent a state in which the charging cable and / or charging socket are not being used to charge an electric vehicle or hybrid vehicle. In the storage position, the charging cable with the charging plug and the charging socket are therefore preferably arranged "hidden."

[0021] Advantageously, the connection device can be designed in particular as a charging station, wall box, charging point, charge point, AC charger, home charger or similar.

[0022] The cover element allows the connection device to be designed so that it is perceived as an element that blends into the surroundings. For example, a person standing in the vicinity of the connection device may perceive it as a decorative column or something similar.

[0023] In an advantageous embodiment, the housing can have a cover element behind which the charging cable and / or the charging socket are or can be stored in the storage position. The housing can, for example, be attached to a wall. Likewise, the housing can be placed on a surface or attached to a surface. The housing can therefore be mounted at different heights and, for example, also have a stand.

[0024] The charging cable, in particular with the charging plug or plug element, and / or the charging socket can preferably be arranged entirely within the housing. For this purpose, at least one fixing device or holding device, such as a hook or a storage element, can be provided in the housing. Furthermore, at least one recess can be provided within the housing, into which, for example, the charging socket or charging plug can be inserted, clipped, and / or stored.

[0025] In an advantageous embodiment, the cover element can be pivotably and / or slidably mounted on the housing. This allows the charging plug and / or charging socket to be exposed, for example, by sliding the cover element sideways.

[0026] In an advantageous embodiment, the cover element can be displaceable and / or pivotable parallel to the housing. For example, the cover element can be slid to the right or left and / or up or down to expose the interior of the housing. Preferably, the cover element is vertically aligned and is displaced vertically and / or horizontally relative to the housing. The charging cable and / or charging socket can then be pulled out to charge an electric vehicle or hybrid vehicle.

[0027] In an advantageous embodiment, the cover element can substantially cover a side surface of the housing. The cover element is preferably formed as a flat element, in particular as a disc, which, for example, has the shape of the housing. The shape is understood to mean, in particular, the shape of a side surface of the housing or a basic shape of the housing.

[0028] In an advantageous embodiment, the cover element can form a side surface of the housing. Accordingly, the housing can be open on one side, with the cover element being designed to cover the open side. The cover element preferably forms a front side that is larger than at least two, in particular at least four, other side surfaces of the housing.

[0029] The cover element can be mounted on the housing, for example, by guide elements or joint elements. In particular, the cover element can be guided on at least one rail element in order to be displaced or pivoted. In a further embodiment, it may also be possible to fold open the cover element, for example, if it includes at least one hinge element.

[0030] In an advantageous embodiment, the cover element can be designed as a decorative element. This allows the connection device to be adapted to the surroundings.

[0031] For example, the cover element can be made of any stone material. Furthermore, various wood or plastic materials can be used. Covering with a flexible material, such as a type of nonwoven or PVC material, is also possible. In particular, the cover element can comprise a wooden panel or a stone panel, or be formed from a wooden panel or a stone panel. Alternatively or additionally, any inscriptions, labels, or markings can be applied or incorporated onto the cover element.

[0032] In an advantageous embodiment, the cover element can be designed as a ceramic or stone slab, particularly a marble slab. By designing the cover element as a ceramic or stone slab, especially as porcelain stoneware, natural stone, or similar mineral materials, a particularly high-quality connecting device can be created that can be placed in locations that should be visually enhanced and not negatively impacted. Thus, the connecting device can be perceived as an artistic or decorative column or similar object, which can be harmoniously and visually pleasingly integrated into a building's surroundings.

[0033] In an advantageous embodiment, at least two or more individual compartments can be formed in the housing, wherein in particular the charging cable is or can be stored in one compartment. For example, at least two compartments can be arranged next to one another, which are provided to separately store or separately fasten charging cables for two charging sockets. It is also conceivable for the connection device to be designed for more than two charging sockets, for example, more than two compartments can be provided. For example, four compartments can be arranged, with each compartment having the same or a different size. Furthermore, any number of compartments can be provided which are designed differently. For example, not only the charging cable for a charging socket can be placed there, but other elements can also be stored there.For example, if the connection device is used privately, it can only be opened by authorized persons. An additional compartment can therefore be advantageous for storing additional items that are needed, especially during, before, or after charging.

[0034] In an advantageous embodiment, the cover element can be mounted on the housing in a displaceable manner via at least one rail element. The rail element can, for example, be arranged on the cover element and guided displaceably on the housing by means of at least one bearing element. In particular, at least two bearing elements are provided for a squinting element in order to ensure a desired alignment and fixation of the rail element on the housing. In particular, a rail element can enable a parallel displacement of the cover element with respect to the housing. In a further embodiment, it is conceivable that the rail elements are arranged on the housing, while, for example, at least one bearing element is provided on the cover element.

[0035] In an advantageous embodiment, at least two parallel rail elements can be provided to move the cover element parallel to the housing. Separate retaining elements can be provided for the different rail elements. Furthermore, the rail elements can be designed such that they function via at least two interlocking rails.

[0036] In an advantageous embodiment, the cover element can be mounted on the housing, preferably in a motor-driven manner, via at least one gear element and at least one rack. In particular, a gear drive is provided in combination with at least one rail element. Alternatively, the use of a cable pull, chain or belt drive, e.g., a V-belt, a worm drive, or a comparable linear drive, or even a hydraulic or pneumatic drive, is conceivable.

[0037] For example, a manually operable drive for the cover element is conceivable. It is also conceivable to provide a motorized drive that allows the cover element to be moved. The drive can be electrical, hydraulic, or pneumatic, for example. The cover element can also be moved manually. The drive can preferably be activated remotely, or can be activated, for example, by personalized access, e.g., via a fingerprint sensor, RFID / NFC chip, QR code, or magnetic or chip card. Alternatively or additionally, activation via an app on a mobile device such as a tablet, cell phone, or similar, also via a corresponding in-vehicle application, directly via the Internet, e.g., via a remote server, is conceivable, with corresponding control commands being transmitted either via the Internet, e.g., via the remote server, or immediately and directly, e.g.,can be transmitted via Bluetooth, NFC, ZigBee or WLAN, but alternatively also via infrared.

[0038] In an advantageous embodiment, at least one electric motor can be provided to displace the cover element relative to the housing. In particular, the electric motor is designed to drive the gear, which in turn engages with the rack to displace the cover element relative to the housing. The electric motor and the gear are preferably fastened to the housing. The rack can in particular be arranged on the cover element. Force can be transmitted to the at least one rack by means of the at least one gear, wherein force can in turn be converted into movement by means of the at least one rack.

[0039] In an advantageous embodiment, the charging cable can be held in the housing via at least one detachable retaining element. Various snap fasteners, hooks, or other types of detachable fixing elements can be used for this purpose. In particular, the retaining element can ensure that the charging cable can be stored and held in an orderly manner, and in particular in a desired position, within the housing. This also enables secure closure of the cover element, since the charging cable cannot slip out between the housing and the cover element.

[0040] For example, at least one sensor can be provided that detects the approach of a potential user, similar to, for example, a keyless-go system in a modern vehicle. This can trigger movement of the cover element as described above. Furthermore, the user can trigger the movement mechanism through video recognition, such as facial recognition and / or gesture control. Furthermore, the user can trigger the movement mechanism by pressing a switch or button. Activation via a fingerprint sensor, RFID / NFC chip, QR code, a web interface, or similar is also conceivable.

[0041] In an advantageous embodiment, a proximity sensor can be provided to trigger the opening and / or closing of the cover element. For example, the cover element can be automatically closed or opened when a person and / or vehicle moves away or approaches. This improves the usability of the connection device, since the charging cable can be removed and the charging process started immediately upon arrival at the connection device, without first manually pushing or removing the cover element.

[0042] In particular, the connection device can be controlled via an application on a smartphone or in the vehicle. This can trigger a desired process, for example, moving or pivoting the cover element by a specific distance, thus exposing a desired portion of the housing.

[0043] The connection device is particularly suitable for connection option C, whereby the vehicle is connected to the charging device via a charging cable including a Type 2 charging plug.

[0044] Advantageously, the cover element can be displaced or pivoted by a desired distance in order to expose only a partial area of ​​the housing. In particular, for example, only one charging socket can be exposed. In a further embodiment, in particular, two charging sockets can be exposed if the cover element is displaced or pivoted by a desired distance. Furthermore, for example, the charging cable with the charging plug can be exposed if the cover element is pivoted or moved. Different displacement directions or pivoting directions can expose different areas of the housing. The different areas can, for example, be formed by compartments in the housing.In a further embodiment, it is therefore conceivable that stop elements are provided which enable the cover element to be moved by a desired distance so that a desired area is released. DRAWINGS

[0045] Further advantages will become apparent from the accompanying drawing description. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. Those skilled in the art will also expediently consider the features individually and combine them into useful further combinations.

[0046] It shows: Fig. 1 a possible embodiment of a connection device in a front view; Fig. 2 shows a further possible embodiment of a connecting device with a partially opened cover element; Fig. 3 shows a further possible embodiment of a connecting device with a partially opened cover element; Fig. 4 shows another possible embodiment of a connecting device with a partially opened cover element; Fig. 5 a possible embodiment of a connection device in an isometric view; Fig. 6 the execution according to Fig. 5 in different front and side views; Fig. 7 shows a further possible embodiment of a connecting device with a partially opened cover element; Fig. 8 the execution according to Fig. 7 in different front and side views; Fig. 9 shows another possible embodiment of a connecting device without a cover element; Fig. 10 shows another possible embodiment of a connecting device without a cover element; Fig. 11 the execution according to Fig. 7 or Fig. 8 in different front and side views.

[0047] In the figures, identical features are numbered with the same reference numerals.

[0048] Fig. 1 shows a possible embodiment of a connection device 10 in a front view. The connection device 10 has a housing 12 and a cover element 20. In this embodiment, the cover element 20 and the housing 12 have a rectangular shape. This is merely an example; the connection device 10 can have any geometry and any dimensions. In particular, the housing can also be elliptical, circular, or otherwise shaped, for example, whereby it is advantageous if the cover element 20 is adapted to the shape of the housing 12.

[0049] The cover element 20 can serve as a decorative element 22, allowing the connecting device 10 to have a visually appealing shape. For example, the cover element 20 can consist of a marble slab, a wooden slab, plastic, or even a ceramic slab. Furthermore, marble elements, wooden elements, ceramic elements, plastic elements, or other materials can be arranged on the cover element 20 as decorative elements 22. Any desired patterns or lettering can also be applied.

[0050] Fig. Figure 2 shows further possible embodiments of a connection device 10 with a partially opened cover element 20. By moving or shifting the cover element 20, the two charging sockets 16 in a storage position 18 in the interior of the housing 12 can be exposed. This allows a charging plug to be inserted into the charging sockets 16 in the storage position 18, as indicated by the arrow directions. After the charging process is complete, the cover element 20 can be shifted back in front of the two charging sockets 16. As can be seen from the two embodiments of the Fig. 2 (a) and Fig. As shown in Figure 2 (b), the cover element 20 can be moved upwards or downwards, for example, to expose the charging sockets 16. This is merely an example; shifting or moving the cover element to the right and left in the illustration may also be possible, especially if the charging sockets 16 are arranged in a different position.

[0051] Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 show further possible embodiments of a connection device with a partially open cover element 20. In such an embodiment, it is shown that, in particular, a charging cable 14 with a plug element 38 can also be stored in the housing 12. For this purpose, for example, a compartment defining a storage position 18 can be provided to delimit an area within the housing 12 in which the charging cable 14 is to be stored. Furthermore, holding elements can be provided to fix the charging cable 14 in a desired position. For example, a type of cable drum can also be integrated within the housing 12 in order to wind up the charging cable 14 in a defined manner within the connection device 10.

[0052] The charging cable 14 can, for example, be a smooth charging cable. Furthermore, the charging cable 14 can be spiralized. The retaining elements (not shown in this illustration) can be adapted accordingly to accommodate correspondingly shaped charging cables 14.

[0053] Fig. 5 shows a possible embodiment of a connection device 10 in an isometric view and Fig. 6 shows the execution after Fig. 5 in different front and side views. Fig. Figure 7 shows a further possible embodiment of a connecting device 10 with a partially opened cover element 20 and Fig. 8 shows the execution after Fig. 7 in different front and side views. In the Fig. 5 to 8, a mechanism 40 can be seen, which is provided between the cover element 20 and the housing 12. The mechanism 40 can have different means to enable a displacement or movement of the cover element 20 relative to the housing 12. For example, the mechanisms shown in the following Fig. The drive elements or guide elements shown in Figures 9 to 11 may be included in the mechanism 40.

[0054] Fig. Figure 8 further shows a proximity sensor 36, which can be arranged at any desired position, in particular on the housing 12. Furthermore, the proximity sensor 36 can also be arranged on the cover element 20. The proximity sensor 36 can detect the presence of a person or a vehicle, allowing the cover element 20 to be opened or closed automatically.

[0055] The Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 shows another possible embodiment of a connecting device 10, wherein the cover element 20 is not shown for reasons of clarity. Therefore, an exemplary embodiment of a mechanism 40 can be seen. In this embodiment, a rail element 26 is provided to move the cover element 20 in a guided manner on the housing 12. The drive is provided via a rack 30 and at least one gear element 28, wherein the gear element 28 is driven by an electric motor 32.

[0056] The embodiment further shows a compartment 24 in which a charging socket 16 can be provided in a storage position 18. Furthermore, or alternatively, a charging cable 14 can be stored in the storage position 18 with a plug element 38 in the compartment 24. For this purpose, various holding elements 34 for temporarily fastening the charging cable 14 or the plug element 38, e.g., clips, cable clamps, or locking springs for mechanical fixation and retention, which are shown here only as examples and schematically.

[0057] In a further embodiment, the housing 12 may have a plurality of compartments 24 in order to store, for example, a plurality of charging sockets 16 or a plurality of charging cables 14 in corresponding storage positions 18 therein.

[0058] Fig. 11 shows the execution after Fig. 7 or Fig.8 in different front and side views. The rail element 26 and the rack 30 are arranged parallel to each other in this embodiment. In a further embodiment, it is also conceivable to provide only two rail elements 26, without an electric motor and without a gear element or rack.

[0059] The cover element 20 can also be driven pneumatically or hydraulically. Furthermore, the cover element 20 can be designed to be moved manually.

[0060] The drive, such as in particular the electric motor 32 with further components, can be provided adjacent to a compartment 24 in the housing 12.

[0061] It is also conceivable for the cover element 20 to be pivoted parallel to the housing 12, wherein the cover element 20 can be mounted at a rotation point on the housing 12. In particular, the cover element 20 and the housing 12 can have any geometry. Furthermore, connection devices 10 of different sizes can be implemented, which can, for example, have a base or can also be arranged on a wall. The cover element 20, in particular designed as a decorative element 22, allows the connection device 10 to blend into the surroundings without being perceived as visually disruptive. List of reference symbols 10 Connection device 12 housings 14 charging cables 16 Charging socket 18 storage positions 20 cover element 22 decorative element 24 compartments 26 rail element 28 Gear element 30 rack 32 electric motor 34 Holding element 36 Proximity sensor 38 charging plugs 40 Mechanics 42 bearing element QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2022 117 711 A1

[0005] CN 214564744 U

[0007] WO 2019 / 215423 A1

[0009] US 11,479,135 B2

[0009] DE 10 2022 104 722 A1

[0010]

Claims

[1] Connection device (10) for electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles, comprising a housing (12), in particular at least one charging cable (14) and / or in particular at least one charging socket (16), characterized by that the charging cable (14) and / or the charging socket (16) are arranged or can be arranged in a storage position (18) in the housing (12) in such a way that the charging cable (14) and / or the charging socket (16) are not visible from outside the housing (12). [2] Connecting device (10) according to claim 1, characterized by that the storage position (18) represents a state in which the charging cable (14) and / or the charging socket (16) are not used to charge an electric vehicle or hybrid vehicle. [3] Connecting device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the housing (12) has a cover element (20) behind which the charging cable (14) and / or the charging socket (16) are or can be stored in the storage position (18). [4] Connecting device (10) according to claim 3, characterized by that the cover element (20) is pivotably and / or displaceably mounted on the housing (12). [5] Connecting device (10) according to one of claims 3 or 4, characterized by that the cover element (20) is displaceable and / or pivotable parallel to the housing (12). [6] Connecting device (10) according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized by that the cover element (20) substantially covers a side surface of the housing (12) or that the cover element (20) forms a side surface of the housing (12). [7] Connecting device (10) according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized bythat the cover element (20) is designed as a decorative element (22), in particular as a stone or ceramic plate, preferably as a marble plate. [8] Connecting device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least two, in particular several compartments (24) are formed in the housing (12), wherein the charging cable (14) is stored or can be stored in particular in one compartment (24). [9] Connecting device (10) according to one of claims 3 to 8, characterized by that the cover element (20) is displaceably mounted on the housing (12) via at least one rail element (26). [10] Connecting device (10) according to claim 9, characterized by that at least two parallel rail elements (26) are provided in order to displace the cover element (20) parallel to the housing (12). [11] Connecting device (10) according to one of claims 3 to 10, characterized bythat the cover element (20) is mounted on the housing (12) via at least one gear element (28) and at least one rack (30), preferably in a motor-driven manner. [12] Connecting device (10) according to one of claims 3 to 11, characterized by that at least one electric motor (32) is provided to displace the cover element (20) relative to the housing (12). [13] Connecting device (10) according to one of claims 3 to 12, characterized by that the charging cable (14) is held in the housing (12) via at least one detachable holding element (34). [14] Connecting device (10) according to one of claims 3 to 13, characterized by that a proximity sensor (36) is provided to trigger opening and / or closing of the cover element (20).

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