CHARGING BOX UNIT FOR A CHARGING COLUMN

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The subject matter relates to a charging box unit comprising a base body and a plug connection having the features according to the preamble of claim 1. Background of the invention

[0002] Charging stations are charging points where an owner or user of an electric vehicle connects it to the grid for charging. In addition to publicly accessible charging points, electric vehicles are often also charged by owners or users at home or at work. The installation of such charging stations plays a significant role, as charging stations provide high electrical power for charging electric vehicles. Accordingly, high safety requirements are placed on such charging stations.

[0003] The grid connection of a charging station is particularly critical for safety. Therefore, the installation of a charging station must be carried out by a specialist and cannot be performed by the owner or user of an electric vehicle themselves.

[0004] In the event of a malfunction or defect in the charging station, even minor errors, problems, or defects must always be addressed by qualified personnel to resolve the issue. Minor errors, problems, or defects can, for example, affect components of the charging station that are not related to the safety-critical electrical power supply. These include, for example, errors, problems, or defects in the user interface that an owner or user of an electric vehicle can use to regulate or control a charging process.

[0005] To avoid the need to always call a specialist for such errors, charging box units have been developed that can be installed as a kind of module on the charging station. These charging box units primarily include components that do not relate to the grid-side electrical power supply, such as control circuits, meters, user interfaces, or connection sockets for charging cables.

[0006] The installation and disassembly of such charging box units can be carried out by the owner or user of an electric vehicle themselves. Even in the event of a fault or defect in the charging box unit, the owner or user of an electric vehicle can simply replace the faulty or defective charging box unit themselves. The involvement of specialist personnel is therefore no longer necessary in these cases. General description of some exemplary embodiments of the invention

[0007] The charging station is usually permanently mounted at the installation location (e.g. on a garage wall, parking lot, or sidewalk) and the grid connection can be made accordingly via the charging station. The charging box unit can be arranged on the permanently mounted charging station. In the area of ​​publicly accessible charging stations (e.g. in parking lots or sidewalks), such a charging box unit can also be permanently mounted on the charging station or enclosed by it, in particular to reduce the increased risk of theft and / or vandalism. For example, to supply a charging box unit with the energy required for operation, these are connected to the charging station via a dedicated connection. Such a dedicated connection is sometimes incompatible with the connections of other charging box units and / or charging stations.The state of the art in this regard is known from US2012 / 135634 A1, US2011 / 169447 A1, US2013 / 169227 A1, US2015 / 108947 A1, WO2011 / 045635 A1, US2011 / 0246014 A1, US2010 / 0013434 A1, DE102012020641 A1, DE102012022963 A1, DE102021106484 A1 and DE102011004734 U1.

[0008] Against the background of the prior art presented, the object of the invention is to provide a charging box unit which can be used in particular easily with a charging station.

[0009] The invention is defined by claim 1. The charging box unit comprises a plug connection for connecting one or more supply lines and / or discharge lines, wherein the plug connection is arranged on an outwardly directed side of a base body of the charging box unit, wherein the plug connection is designed for connection to a corresponding plug connection of a charging station.

[0010] The one or more supply lines and / or outlets are present on the grid side. The one or more supply lines and / or outlets are included in a charging station.

[0011] The plug connector on the charging box unit connects to a corresponding plug connector on the charging station. The plug connector provides the electrical power required to operate the charging box unit. Accordingly, the charging box unit can be easily installed on the charging station, similar to a plug-and-play module. The sometimes complex assembly or installation of the charging box unit can therefore be eliminated.

[0012] A charging station (also called charging point) within the meaning of the present subject matter can be understood as a charging point at the location where an owner or user of an electric vehicle connects (e.g. plugs in) the charging cable necessary to charge a battery of the electric vehicle to the grid.

[0013] A charging box unit within the meaning of the present subject matter can be understood, for example, as an (e.g., replaceable) element that can be arranged (e.g., detachably) on a charging station and has the means according to the invention. Accordingly, in the event of a defect, only the charging box unit needs to be replaced, and in particular not the charging station. Alternatively, such a charging box unit can be included in a charging station. In this case, the charging box unit can be fixedly (e.g., permanently) arranged on the charging station. This is particularly intended for charging stations that are publicly accessible.

[0014] It has been recognized that the essential technology for controlling the charging box unit and / or charging station (e.g. control circuitry, user interface, input / output means, sensors, processor, memory, to name a few non-limiting examples) can be installed in a base body of the charging box unit. For example, a keyboard or the like can be provided as the input means. A display or the like can be provided as the output means, for example, so that interaction with an owner or user of an electric vehicle is possible. A combined input / output interface is also conceivable, for example a touch-sensitive display, which can both display information and accept inputs from the owner or user.

[0015] A charging box unit therefore comprises the complete electrical and information and communication technology (ICT) elements, depending on the configuration. For example, charging box units can provide the control options necessary for operating the charging station and / or provide extended functions for controlling and / or regulating the charging station. Status information or similar information can also be provided to the owner or user, e.g., via a display device on the charging box units.

[0016] The charging box unit comprises a rear plug connection (e.g. a plug) via which the charging box unit can receive all necessary supply lines and / or discharge lines from the charging station. The charging station comprises a plug connection (e.g. a socket) corresponding to the plug connection of the charging box unit. Via the connection established between the charging box unit and the charging station using the plug connections, in particular input information and output information can be exchanged. Input information can, for example, include control inputs from the owner or user of the electric vehicle. Furthermore, input information can, for example, represent charging preferences of the owner or user of the electric vehicle. Input information can, for example, be entered by an owner or user of an electric vehicle using a user interface and recorded accordingly.Output information can, for example, include information regarding a charging process and / or query information for regulating or controlling a charging process. Output information can, for example, be output via a display device included in the charging box unit.

[0017] In one exemplary embodiment, the charging box unit can be detachably connected to the charging station, so that the charging box unit can be arranged on the charging station. The charging station is arranged, in particular, fixedly (e.g., immovably). The charging station can be arranged, for example, in a garage or on a garage wall. Because the charging box unit is detachably connected to the charging station, the charging box unit is, in particular, replaceable. If, for example, a defect occurs in a component of the charging box unit (e.g., the display device), only the charging box unit, including the defective component, needs to be replaced, and not the entire charging station.

[0018] The charging box unit can, for example, comprise a housing that at least partially encloses the base body of the charging box unit. Furthermore, the charging box unit can, for example, comprise a control circuit for controlling the charging functions of the charging station. The control circuit is arranged, for example, in the base body and enclosed by the housing.

[0019] The plug connection of the charging box unit is located on an outward-facing side (e.g., the rear) of the base body. The plug connection is standardized, for example, e.g., standardized in its external shape. Furthermore, the arrangement of contacts, or contact pins and / or contact sockets, encompassed by the plug connection can be standardized. This opens up the possibility of further developments of actual charging box units so that they can continue to be arranged on an existing charging station. The contacts encompassed by the plug connection can, for example, be assigned differently depending on requirements, but their external shape can be standardized.

[0020] According to one embodiment, it is proposed that communication between the charging box unit and the charging station takes place via the plug connection between the charging box unit and the charging station.

[0021] It is further proposed that the plug connection be arranged on a rear side of the base body (in the received (e.g., mounted) state, on the side facing the charging station), wherein the plug connection can be positively received in the corresponding plug connection of the charging station. The plug connection of the charging box unit can, for example, have a circumferential bulge that engages a corresponding recess surrounding the plug connection of the charging station.

[0022] One embodiment provides for the charging box unit to be accommodated in a receptacle of the charging station that has the corresponding plug connection. The receptacle can, for example, be a recess designed such that the charging box unit can be at least partially accommodated in the recess.

[0023] For the purposes of the subject matter, the expression "in the received state" means that the charging box unit is received in the receptacle of the charging station and the plug connection between the charging box unit and the charging station is established.

[0024] According to one embodiment, it is proposed that the bulge of the charging box unit is sealed off from the corresponding receptacle of the charging column when the charging box unit is received in the receptacle of the charging column.

[0025] When inserted, the seal prevents contact with live parts. For example, a user of the charging station, including the charging box unit, is not at risk of coming into contact with such live parts. This ensures compliance with the safety requirements to which charging stations and thus also the charging box units that can be arranged on them are subject. For sealing purposes, a seal can, for example, be arranged on the inner edge of the bulge. Additionally or alternatively, such a seal arranged on the inner edge can be arranged on the charging station holder. The seal can, for example, be a lip seal, for example made of a flexible and / or elastic material such as rubber.

[0026] It is further proposed that the charging box unit comprise a fixing element so that the charging box unit is fixed to the charging station when received. The fixing element can, for example, be used to fix or lock the charging box unit to the charging station when received. The fixing element can, for example, be a bulge surrounding the plug connection of the charging box unit, which bulge is provided, for example, on the base body (e.g. on the rear of the base body). In the received state, the bulge can, for example, engage in a corresponding indentation (e.g. enclosed by the receptacle of the charging station). Alternatively or additionally, the fixing element can, for example, be enclosed by the housing of the charging box unit. For example, the fixing element can be arranged on one of the side surfaces of the housing of the charging box unit.

[0027] Furthermore, locking elements such as clips can be used as fixing elements. These can, for example, lock into corresponding counterparts and fix the charging box unit to the charging station. Manually operated fixing elements are also conceivable, such as fixing by means of a screw or a clamping element. The fixing element ensures that the charging box unit is fixed or locked in the charging station receptacle when accommodated. Such a fixing element can, for example, be arranged on the rear of the base body. Alternatively or additionally, the fixing element can be arranged on the housing that at least partially encloses the base body. In particular, the fixing element can be provided on a side surface of the housing. In one exemplary embodiment, the receptacle of the charging station at least partially encloses the side surface of the housing of the charging box unit when accommodated.The charging box unit can include several fixing elements.

[0028] According to one embodiment, it is proposed that the plug connection has one or more contacts, wherein electrical power can be transmitted via at least one of the contacts and information can be transmitted via at least one further contact.

[0029] As information, control signals can be transmitted, for example, between the charging box unit and the charging station. Based on the control signals, a charging process of a battery of an electric vehicle can be regulated or controlled, for example. The control signals can be generated, for example, by a control circuit included in the base body of the charging box unit (e.g., a processor with memory). The control signals can be generated, for example, based on information entered by an owner or user of an electric vehicle. Additionally or alternatively, the control signals can be generated at least partially automatically, for example, based on information acquired by one or more sensors. These sensors can, for example, be included in the charging box unit.For example, the sensors can be connected to the control circuit so that information detected by the sensors is processed by the control circuit, and a corresponding control signal can be generated. Additionally or alternatively, status information can be transmitted from the charging station to the charging box unit. Status information is, for example, indicative of information relating to a charging process. For example, one or more items of status information can be displayed on a display device of the charging box unit.

[0030] It is further proposed that the following parameters can be transmitted via the one or more contacts: (i) alternating electrical voltage; (ii) direct electrical voltage; (iii) low electrical voltage; (iv) data; (v) or any combination thereof.

[0031] Alternating electrical current and direct electrical current are used in particular for charging electric vehicle batteries. For example, the charging box unit can include an additional plug connection by means of which an electric vehicle or the battery of an electric vehicle can be connected to this additional plug connection (e.g., via a charging cable). If such a plug connection for charging an electric vehicle is included in the charging box unit, electric vehicles that require different plugs or sockets for connecting the charging cable can, for example, be connected to the same charging station. Only the charging box unit needs to be replaced.A change of the charging box unit comprising a plug connection for connecting a charging cable for an electric vehicle may also be necessary, for example, if a user of the charging station has purchased a new or additional electric vehicle and this is also to be charged using the existing charging station.

[0032] For example, the electrical low voltage can be used to provide the necessary electrical energy to operate the charging box unit.

[0033] The transmission of data enables, for example, an exchange of information between the charging box unit and the charging station. For example, control signals can be transmitted as data as part of communication between the charging box unit and the charging station. Furthermore, status information can be exchanged between the charging box unit and the charging station.

[0034] According to one embodiment, it is proposed that at least one of the contacts via which electrical power can be transmitted comprises one or more of the following supply lines: (i) single-phase AC supply; (ii) three-phase AC supply; (iii) DC supply; (iv) or a combination thereof.

[0035] By means of one or more of the supply lines, an alternating voltage (e.g. AC 3kW 1-phase, AC 22kW 3-phase) or a direct voltage (e.g. DC 50 kW) can be transmitted between the charging box unit and the charging station.

[0036] The single-phase AC supply line can be used, for example, in so-called home charging boxes, which can be installed at charging stations at the home or workplace of an electric vehicle owner or user. For example, the single-phase AC supply line can provide 2 kW to 5 kW, preferably 3 kW to 4 kW, of electrical power.

[0037] The 3-phase AC supply can be used, for example, in charging stations with charging box units in locations where a 3-phase electrical connection is available. Such connections are also often found in homes. In locations where electric vehicles are typically parked, such a connection may need to be installed specifically. For example, the 3-phase AC supply can provide 20 kW to 25 kW, 21 kW to 24 kW, and preferably 22 kW to 23 kW of electrical power.

[0038] The DC voltage supply line can be used, for example, to charge an electric vehicle with high electrical power (e.g. DC 50 kW).

[0039] The charging box unit can further comprise an AC / DC buck converter. This can be arranged, for example, in the base body of the charging box unit. Using the AC / DC buck converter, the electrical power supplied by an AC supply line can be converted into a low DC voltage. This low DC voltage can be used, for example, to power the electronic components of the charging box unit, such as the control circuit (e.g., processor and memory), user interface, display device, or the like, to name a few non-limiting examples.

[0040] This also opens up the possibility for an owner or user of an electric vehicle to initially equip the charging station used to charge the electric vehicle with, for example, a charging box unit, which allows a single-phase AC supply line to be used to charge the electric vehicle. Should the owner or user of the electric vehicle wish to charge their electric vehicle more quickly, for example, the owner or user of the electric vehicle can use a different charging box unit and arrange it accordingly at the charging station, which allows, for example, a three-phase AC supply line to be used to charge the electric vehicle, provided this can be provided by the charging station.

[0041] In an exemplary embodiment, the plug connection is de-energized when the charging box unit is not accommodated in the receptacle of the charging station. Thus, electrical power is only transmitted via the plug connection when the charging box unit is arranged on the charging station. In order to enable at least partially automatic switching on of electrical power, a button or the like can be included in the plug connection. The button is actuated, for example, when the charging box unit is accommodated in the receptacle of the charging station. The button can be a switch, for example, by means of which the current flow from a supply line of the charging station to the charging box unit can be switched on or off.

[0042] The plug connection can, for example, comprise one or more downlines from the charging box unit to the charging station. These one or more downlines can, for example, be used to transmit information, e.g. for communication between the charging box unit and the charging station. The line used for communication can also be designed as a supply line. By means of a combined supply and downline, bidirectional communication can take place between the charging box unit and the charging station. In one exemplary embodiment, a supply line of the plug connection, which is provided for transmitting electrical power (e.g. by means of alternating current or direct current), can be used simultaneously for transmitting information. For this purpose, the electrical power can, for example, be superimposed with a communication signal, e.g. by means of a corresponding modulation of the communication signal.

[0043] In one embodiment, the charging box unit comprises a connector for connecting a charging cable, wherein electrical power can be provided via the plug connection at the connector. For example, alternating voltage, direct voltage, and low voltage electrical power can be provided as electrical power. Alternating voltage can be provided, for example, via the single-phase alternating voltage supply line or the three-phase alternating voltage supply line. Direct voltage can be provided, for example, via the direct voltage supply line.

[0044] It is further proposed that the plug connection is mounted in a floating manner, so that during (e.g. minor) movements when accommodated in the charging station, the plug connection of the charging box unit is connected to the plug connection of the charging station. The plug connection is movable in the direction of two degrees of freedom with respect to the plane formed by the flat surface of the base body, in which the plug connection is arranged. The plug connection is mounted in a floating manner relative to the base body, for example. For example, a minor movement within the meaning of the subject matter corresponds to a relative movement in the direction of two degrees of freedom in the longitudinal and / or transverse direction of extension of the plug connection (e.g. plug) of the charging box unit relative to the plug connection (e.g. socket) of the charging station, wherein the relative movement is smaller than the length and / or width of the plug connection of the charging box unit.

[0045] Furthermore, an anti-theft device is provided , This ensures that a charging box unit inserted into the charging station's mount cannot be removed from the outside. This is particularly recommended when arranging charging box units at charging stations that are accessible to the public.

[0046] It is further proposed that the anti-theft device has a locking element which is accessible from an inside of the charging station and, when actuated, enables the charging box unit to be released from the recess of the charging station.

[0047] The anti-theft device ensures, for example, that once the charging box unit has been attached to the charging station, it can no longer be removed from the outside. Simply pulling the charging box unit off the outside of the charging station is therefore no longer possible. In order to enable the replacement of a charging box unit accommodated in the charging station holder, the anti-theft device can, for example, be unlockable, as explained above. For example, this can be done using a suitable adapter or the like, which engages in an opening provided for unlocking the anti-theft device. Additionally or alternatively, the charging station or the housing of the charging station can, for example, be openable, e.g. using an inspection opening or the like. For example, the anti-theft device can be unlocked from the inside of the charging station, e.g. manually.

[0048] According to one embodiment, it is proposed that the charging box unit can be fixed to the charging station in the received state by means of the plug connection.

[0049] Alternatively, the charging box unit is secured to the charging station in its inserted state by means of the plug connection. For this purpose, the plug connection (e.g., on the charging box unit and / or on the charging station) can have a locking element (e.g., a clamping element, a hook-like element, or the like). The locking element engages a correspondingly designed counterpart when the plug connection is connected through a receptacle of the charging box unit into the receptacle of the charging station, so that the charging box unit can be secured or is secured to the charging station by means of the plug connection.

[0050] The object is further achieved by a charging station, the charging station comprising at least one physical charging box unit.

[0051] The subject matter is explained in more detail below using a drawing showing exemplary embodiments. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 shows a view of a charging box unit and a charging station according to an embodiment; Fig. 2a shows a view of a charging box unit according to an embodiment; Fig. 2b shows an enlarged view of the plug of the charging box unit according to Fig. 2a according to an embodiment; Fig. 3 shows a rear view of a charging box unit with a base body and with a housing according to an embodiment; and Fig. 4 shows a schematic view of a base body with a housing of a charging box unit according to an embodiment. Detailed description of some exemplary embodiments of the invention

[0052] Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a charging box unit and a charging station according to an embodiment.

[0053] The charging box unit 1 comprises a base body 2 and a plug connection 7 (in Fig. 1not visible), in this case a plug 7, for connecting one or more mains-side supply lines and / or outlets. The plug connection 7 is on an outward-facing side of the base body 2 (in Fig. 1 not visible). The plug connection 7 is designed for connection to a corresponding plug connection 15, in this case a socket 15, of a charging station 12.

[0054] The charging box unit 1 can be arranged in a receptacle 13 of the charging column 12 designed according to the rear side of the charging box unit 1 or the rear shape (e.g. at least partially encompassing the side surface 5 of the housing 4 and the base body 2 forming the rear wall) of the charging box unit 1. This possibility is indicated by the two dashed lines between the charging box unit 1 and the charging column 12 in Fig. 1schematically indicated. The charging box unit 1 can be at least partially received in the receptacle 13 of the charging station 12. The shape of the recess formed by the receptacle 13 of the charging station 12 essentially corresponds to the shape of the charging box unit 1, so that the base body 2 and the housing 4 of the charging box unit 1 can be received in a form-fitting manner in the receptacle 13. When the charging box unit 1 is received in the receptacle 13 of the charging station 12, in particular the side surface 5 of the housing 4 of the charging box unit 1 is at least partially enclosed by the receptacle 13.

[0055] The receptacle 13 of the charging station 12 comprises the plug connection, socket 15, corresponding to the plug 7 of the charging box unit 1. The plug 7 of the charging box unit 1 can be connected to the socket 15 of the charging station 12.

[0056] The receptacle 13 comprises a seal 14. In this case, the seal 14 is a lip seal, which is arranged on the inner edge of the receptacle 13 facing the opening of the receptacle 13. Alternatively or additionally, the seal 14 can be arranged, for example, on the side surface 5 of the charging box unit 1. For example, the seal 14 is arranged circumferentially along the housing, surrounding the side surface 5. The seal 14 ensures that the charging box unit 1 is sealed against the charging station when accommodated. The seal 14 prevents the ingress of dirt (e.g., dust, grime, or the like).

[0057] On the front, the charging box unit 1 includes a connection 9 for a charging cable of an electric vehicle. If an electric vehicle is connected to the connection 9 via a charging cable, electrical power can be provided via this connection 9, which is provided on the grid side via the charging station 12 and the plug connection between the charging box unit 1 and the charging station 12 (in this case consisting of the plug 7 and the socket 15). Accordingly, for example, a battery of an electric vehicle can be charged. Alternatively, the electric vehicle can be connected directly to the charging station 12 via a charging cable. In this case, the charging station 12 has a corresponding connection for the charging cable.

[0058] The charging box unit 1 comprises a display device 11. The display device 11 can be designed as a touch-sensitive display so that inputs from a user or owner of an electric vehicle can be captured. In the present case, the display device 11 comprises a user interface. Additionally or alternatively, the charging box unit 1 can comprise a dedicated user interface for capturing user inputs.

[0059] For example, the user interface can be used to capture inputs from an owner or user of an electric vehicle. For example, the owner or user can start and / or stop a charging process of an electric vehicle connected to charging station 1 via a corresponding input in the user interface.

[0060] Fig. 2a shows a perspective view of a charging box unit according to an embodiment.

[0061] A plug connection designed as a plug 7 protrudes from the rear side 3 of the base body 2 of the charging box unit 1. The plug 7 can engage with a corresponding socket 15 of a charging station 12, so that, via the connection then established, for example, communication between the charging box unit and the charging station, and / or electrical power from a grid-side connection of the charging station 12 can be transmitted via the plug connection between the charging box unit 1 and the charging station 12.

[0062] On the side surface 5 of the housing 4, the charging box unit 1 has at least one fixing element 6, for example a locking lug. The fixing element is designed such that, when the charging box unit 1 is received in a receptacle 13 of a charging station 1, the charging box unit 1 is fixed. Accordingly, without releasing the fixing element 6, the charging box unit 1 cannot be removed from the receptacle 13 of the charging station 1. For example, a further fixing element 6 can be arranged on the side surface of the charging box unit 1 opposite the side surface with the fixing element 6. The use of a further fixing element 6 can reinforce the fixing of the charging box unit 1 to the charging station 12 in the received state.

[0063] Fig. 2b shows an enlarged view of the plug of the charging box unit according to Fig. 2a according to an embodiment example.

[0064] The plug 7 comprises one or more contacts, which can be designed, for example, as contact pins, or alternatively as contact sockets 8. For example, electrical power can be transmitted via at least one of the contacts. Additionally or alternatively, information can be transmitted via at least one (further) of the contacts. By transmitting the information, for example, communication can take place between the charging box unit 1 and the charging station 12. For example, the communication can include control signals. One or more control signals can, for example, be generated by a control circuit, e.g. based on information acquired via user inputs.

[0065] The plug 7 has a locking element 18 on at least one of its side surfaces. The locking element 18 can, for example, engage with a corresponding counterpart, which is encompassed, for example, by the socket 15 of the charging station 1. The locking element 18 enables, for example, the charging box unit 1 to be fixed to the charging station 12 via the plug connection that can be established between the charging box unit 1 and the charging station 12.

[0066] Fig. 3 shows a rear view of a charging box unit with a base body and a housing according to an embodiment.

[0067] The plug 7 is arranged on the base body 2 and protrudes from the base body.

[0068] The charging box unit 1 comprises a housing 4 that at least partially encloses the base body 2. One or more fixing elements 6 can be arranged in the side surface 5 of the housing that surrounds the base body 2. The fixing elements 6 can be arranged, for example, in the lower third of the side surface 5 of the housing 4, which is oriented toward the rear of the charging box unit 1. This lower third ensures that a charging box unit 1, which is accommodated in a receptacle of the charging station 12, is held securely against rotation and is protected against accidental removal.

[0069] The plug 7 comprises three contact sockets 8, which are marked with the reference numerals 8a, 8b, 8c. Contact pins 16 (e.g. of the socket 15 according to Fig. 1) intervene. Via these contact sockets 8a to 8c, for example, supply and / or discharge lines from or to the charging station 1 can be connected to the charging box unit 1 via the plug 7. For example, the plug 7 comprises one or more connecting lines to a control circuit 10, such as in Fig. 4 is shown schematically.

[0070] Fig. 4 shows a schematic rear view of a base body with a housing of a charging box unit according to an embodiment.

[0071] In the main body 2 of the charging box unit 1 there is a plug 7, a control circuit 10 and a display device (e.g. display device 11 according to Fig. 1) connected to the charging station. The user interface 17 is optional, as the user interface can be comprised, for example, of a display device, or is not absolutely necessary. For example, a user interface could also be provided via a user interface connected to the charging station. An example of a display device with a user interface comprised therein is, for example, a touch-sensitive display.

[0072] For example, inputs from an owner or user of an electric vehicle can be captured via the user interface 17. For example, target settings related to a charging process for an electric vehicle's battery can be configured via the user interface. Non-limiting examples include setting a charge level (e.g., fully charge, charge to a percentage, charge for a predetermined period of time, charge for a specific amount of money, or the like).

[0073] The control circuit 10 is typically a microprocessor that can perform a variety of functions. The control circuit 10 is connected, for example, to the connector 7 and the optional user interface 17. In addition, the control circuit can be connected to a display device (e.g., display device 11 of the charging box unit 1 according to Fig. 1 ) must be connected.

[0074] The control circuit 10 can, for example, have communication means for communicating with a central controller or an electronic device (e.g., smartphone, tablet, or the like). In this case, communication can take place via an air interface, for example. Thus, the control circuit 10 can, for example, receive specifications for setting a state of charge via the air interface. The control circuit 10 can, for example, determine a state of charge of a battery of an electric vehicle connected to the charging box unit 1 or to a charging station 12. Depending on a comparison result determined by the control circuit 10, a charging process can, for example, be started. Furthermore, the control circuit can, for example, determine status information of a current charging process. Status information can, for example, include the actual states of a connected battery of an electric vehicle.This determined status information can, for example, be displayed by a display device (e.g. display device 11 according to . Fig. 1 ). Additionally or alternatively, the determined status information can be transmitted to a central controller and / or to an electronic device. Transmission can occur, for example, via the communication means, e.g., via an air interface.

[0075] The embodiments of the present invention described in this specification and the optional features and properties cited in relation to them are to be understood as disclosed in all combinations with one another. In particular, the description of a feature included in an embodiment should not be understood in this case - unless explicitly stated otherwise - to mean that the feature is essential or essential for the function of the embodiment. The sequence of the method steps described in this specification in the individual flow diagrams is not mandatory; alternative sequences of the method steps are conceivable. The method steps can be implemented in various ways; for example, an implementation in software (by program instructions), hardware, or a combination of both is conceivable for implementing the method steps.

[0076] Terms used in the claims such as "comprise," "have," "include," "contain," and the like do not exclude further elements or steps. The phrase "at least partially" encompasses both "partially" and "completely." The phrase "and / or" is intended to indicate that both the alternative and the combination are disclosed, thus "A and / or B" means "(A) or (B) or (A and B)." The use of the indefinite article does not exclude a plurality. A single device can perform the functions of several units or devices mentioned in the claims. Reference symbols indicated in the claims are not to be considered limitations on the means and steps employed. List of reference symbols

[0077] 1Charging box unit 2Main body 3Back 4Housing 5Side surface 6Fixing element 7Plug 8Contact sockets 9Connection for charging cable 10Control circuit 11Display device 12Charging column 13Receptacle 14Seal 15Socket 16Contact pins 17User interface 18Locking element

Claims

1. Charging column (12), wherein the charging column (12) is fixedly arranged and comprises a charging box unit (1), the charging box unit (1) comprising: a main body (5), and a plug-in connection (7) for connection of one or more supply lines and / or outgoing lines, wherein the supply lines and / or outgoing lines are present on the network side, wherein the supply lines and / or outgoing lines are comprised by the charging column (12), wherein the plug-in connection (7) is arranged on an outwardly directed side at the rear of the main body (5), wherein the plug-in connection (7) is configured to connect to a corresponding plug-in connection (15) of the charging column (12), and wherein the charging box unit (1) is releasably receivable in a receptacle (13) of the charging column (12), said receptacle having the corresponding plug-in connection (15), wherein the electrical power required to operate the charging box unit (1) is provided via the plug-in connection (15), wherein provision is made of a theft prevention means, with the result that a charging box unit (1) received in the receptacle (13) of the charging column (12) is no longer releasable from the outside.

2. Charging column (12) according to Claim 1, wherein the plug-in connection (7) is arranged on a rear side of the main body (5), wherein the plug-in connection (7) is receivable in a form-fitting manner in the corresponding plug-in connection (15) of the charging column (12).

3. Charging column (12) according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the charging box unit (1) is sealed off with respect to the charging column (12) when the charging box unit (1) is received in the receptacle (13) of the charging column (12).

4. Charging column (12) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the charging box unit (1) comprises a fixing element (6), with the result that the charging box unit (1) is fixed to the charging column (12) in the received state.

5. Charging column (12) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plug-in connection (7, 15) has one or more contacts (8), wherein electrical power is transmissible via at least one of the contacts (8) and information is transmissible via at least one further one of the contacts.

6. Charging column (12) according to Claim 5, wherein the following parameters are transmissible via the one or more contacts (8): (i) electrical AC voltage; (ii) electrical DC voltage; (iii) low electrical voltage; (iv) data; (v) or a combination thereof.

7. Charging column (12) according to Claim 5 or Claim 6, wherein at least one of the contacts (8) via which electrical power is transmissible comprises one or more of the following supply lines: (i) 1-phase AC voltage supply line; (ii) 3-phase AC voltage supply line; (iii) DC voltage supply line; (iv) or a combination thereof.

8. Charging column (12) according to one of the preceding claims, the charging box unit comprising a connection (9) for connection of a charging cable, wherein electrical power is able to be provided at the connection (9) via the plug-in connection (7, 15).

9. Charging column (12) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plug-in connection (7, 15) is mounted in a floating manner such that, in the case of movements in the charging column (12) in a state of the charging box unit (1) in which it is received in the charging column (12), the plug-in connection (7) of the charging box unit (1) is connected to the plug-in connection (15) of the charging column (12).

10. Charging column (12) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the theft prevention means has a latching-in element (18) which is accessible from an inner side of the charging column (12) and which, upon actuation, allows the charging box unit (1) to be released from the receptacle (13) of the charging column (12).

11. Charging column (12) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, in the received state, the charging box unit (1) is fixable to the charging column (12) by means of the plug-in connection (7).