SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR THEFT AND VANDALISM DETECTION AND WARNING FOR VEHICLE CHARGING COLUMNS

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a charging station for charging vehicles, comprising a system for theft and vandalism detection and for warning in the event of theft and vandalism detection. The invention further relates to a method for such a charging station for theft and vandalism detection and for warning in the event of theft and vandalism detection, as well as a computer program product.

[0002] Vehicles that are partially or fully electric require an appropriate charging infrastructure. A significant part of this charging infrastructure is realized through charging stations, where vehicles can be charged. In the context of new concepts, charging stations that enable particularly fast charging are particularly favored. These rapid charging stations further increase the attractiveness of electromobility due to their shorter charging times. However, the newer charging stations in particular increasingly contain very expensive technical components. These charging stations are frequently exposed to theft attempts and vandalism, as well as environmental influences, which can lead to complete loss, visible external damage, and functional limitations.A simple transfer of common alarm systems, such as those used in vehicles or real estate, falls short due to security considerations. Below, we present some current state-of-the-art solutions that address the challenges outlined above in the broadest sense.

[0003] For example, DE 10 2010 009 657 A1 discloses a device and method for monitoring a charging cable for a vehicle. In particular, a device for monitoring a charging cable for a vehicle is presented, comprising a device for detecting the vehicle's surroundings, at least in the area of ​​the charging cable, wherein connecting the charging cable to the vehicle activates the detection of the vehicle's surroundings.

[0004] Furthermore, the provision of a warning signal for a charging station is known from DE 10 2013 206 687 A1. In particular, a method for providing a warning signal for a charging station to warn of damage to the charging station is presented. A charging station for this purpose is also presented. Using reference sensor data and a damage class, a classification result is determined, and a warning signal is issued based on this result.

[0005] Furthermore, a device for charging an electrochemical traction energy storage device of a means of transport is known from the publication DE 10 2017 215 882 A1. A device for charging an electrochemical traction energy storage device of a means of transport is proposed, wherein the device comprises the following components: an electrochemical energy storage device for charging the traction energy storage device of the means of transport, a charging plug for establishing an electrical connection to the traction energy storage device of the means of transport, an evaluation unit, a transmitting device, and a locating module. The locating module is configured to determine a position of the device and to transmit it to a central management facility using the transmitting device.

[0006] DE 10 2013 206 687 A1 discloses a method for providing a warning signal for a charging station to warn of damage to the charging station. A sensor element, such as a position sensor or a motion sensor, is activated. A warning signal is triggered based on the signal then present.

[0007] CN 206 863 882 U discloses an anti-theft device for a charging station. The charging station has a vibration sensor for this purpose. When the vibration sensor is activated, a connection is established to a remote monitoring terminal.

[0008] US 2018 / 357871 A1 discloses an audio / video intercom for buildings. A motion sensor activates a camera to detect who is in the intercom area via a remote monitor.

[0009] The invention is based on the object of providing a charging station for charging vehicles with an alternative system for theft and vandalism detection and for warning in the event of theft and vandalism detection, which ensures a needs-based and reliable operation.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a charging station for charging vehicles is provided with a system for theft and vandalism detection and warning according to claim 1. Such a system comprises a control and computing unit with an evaluation program and a plurality of different sensor elements designed to detect states of the charging station. At least one unit of each different sensor element is provided. The respective sensor elements are each coupled to the control and computing unit with the evaluation program, so that respective states of the sensor elements can be detected and / or controlled. In addition, such a system comprises at least one actuator element for outputting a warning signal.In the activated state of the system, at least one inclination sensor and at least one motion sensor are activated. A respective change in the state of the at least one inclination sensor and / or the at least one motion sensor detected by the control and computing unit with evaluation program triggers the activation of at least one further sensor element. This allows all activated sensor elements to be evaluated by the control and computing unit with evaluation program, and a dedicated action routine stored in the evaluation program can be triggered depending on the evaluation result. This provides an alternative system for theft and vandalism detection and warning for vehicle charging stations, ensuring needs-based and reliable operation.The system presented is suitable for being arranged in any way at a corresponding charging station or at least partially integrated.

[0011] The mode of operation is staggered, with four levels being provided, for example. In a first level, at least one inclination sensor and / or at least one motion sensor play a central role. These sensors are provided for environmental detection, and only when the status of these sensors changes are further elements activated. In this case, for example, mechanical influences on the charging station are checked and a more detailed environmental detection can be carried out. The further steps are then at least partially integrated into the respectively triggered action routine. The action routine is designed, for example, to at least counteract attempts at theft and / or vandalism or to provide actions that are suitable for proactively counteracting external influences or at least for appropriately documenting and / or measuring them.This division enables energy-saving operation and the on-demand activation of the monitoring functions provided by the respective sensor elements of the system presented. This allows the system to also meet country-specific data protection requirements, as there is no permanent monitoring, but rather only more intensive monitoring based on need and occasion. This also leads to an increase in the service life of individual components, as continuous operation is avoided.

[0012] In other words, in the first stage, the activated system operates in a type of normal mode, with only the at least one inclination sensor and / or the at least one motion sensor being activated, so that, for example, the approach of a person or object can be reliably detected. At the same time, it is possible to ensure monitoring of the position of the charging station. This monitors the position of the system on the surface on which the charging station is located. Upon detection of movement in the surrounding area or of movement of the system or the charging station itself, the second stage is initiated accordingly, activating the additional sensor elements.The system is therefore advantageously designed to be integrated into a charging station, ensuring the integration of a multi-stage sensor system into the charging station to detect improper handling (theft, vandalism) as well as environmental influences.

[0013] According to the invention, it is further provided that a method for theft and vandalism detection and warning for charging stations for vehicles is provided according to claim 12. Such a method comprises, among other things, the following steps: providing a control and computing unit with an evaluation program, providing a plurality of different sensor elements which are designed to detect states of the charging station, wherein at least one unit of each different sensor element is provided and respective sensor elements are each coupled to the control and computing unit with an evaluation program so that respective states of the sensor elements can be detected and / or controlled, providing at least one actuator element for outputting a warning signal.

[0014] The method also comprises, among other things, the following further step: activating at least one inclination sensor and at least one motion sensor, wherein a respective change in state of the at least one inclination sensor and / or of the at least one motion sensor detected by the control and computing unit with evaluation program causes an activation of at least one further sensor element, so that an evaluation of all activated sensor elements can be carried out by means of the control and computing unit with evaluation program and, depending on an evaluation result, an action routine provided for this purpose and stored in the evaluation program can be triggered.

[0015] The advantages mentioned above also apply to the presented procedure, as far as they are transferable.

[0016] According to the invention, it is further provided that a computer program product is provided for carrying out a method according to claim 13. The aforementioned advantages also apply, to the extent transferable, to the presented computer program product.

[0017] Such a charging station is preferably equipped with at least one permanently installed battery to offer higher charging capacities and operate independently of the relevant infrastructure. This further increases the value of such a charging station. Due to the electrical independence from the infrastructure, there is no longer any need for permanently installed charging stations. The aforementioned advantages also apply, to the extent applicable, to the charging station presented here.

[0018] Further preferred embodiments of the invention emerge from the remaining features mentioned in the subclaims.

[0019] According to the invention, the at least one further sensor element is selected from: acceleration sensor, shock sensor, brightness sensor, and preferably further from camera device and microphone device.

[0020] The advantages mentioned above can therefore be implemented even better.

[0021] According to the invention, it is further provided that the action routine comprises an activation of the at least one actuator element and a deactivation of a power electronics unit of the charging station. In this context, it is thus possible to trigger a respective action routine that activates the at least one provided actuator element. For example, an integration of a multi-stage actuator system can be provided, which is designed to actively display and play back warning messages in the event of improper handling (theft, vandalism) of the charging station. In this way, it is also possible to provide an automatic, as needed, shutdown of the power electronics to protect people. The charging station can also be rendered unusable, so that theft is no longer worthwhile. In particular, this shutdown and an unusable mode can be restricted to a group of persons without access authorization.

[0022] Furthermore, a further embodiment of the invention provides that the at least one actuator element is selected from: a loudspeaker, a screen unit, an exterior lighting element, a tilt compensation device, in particular a tilt compensation device with at least one actuator, or a warning light element. The aforementioned advantages can thus be implemented even more effectively.

[0023] Furthermore, a further embodiment of the invention provides for a user-defined functional test of the system after switching off the power electronics of the charging station. This functional test is specifically designed as a type of self-test. When a user initiates this test, the system is thus able to perform the following steps and actions automatically. The integrated intelligent functional test ensures the functional safety of the charging station on-site with the highest possible availability.

[0024] A further embodiment of the invention also provides for the functional test to include a respective test routine for the various, differing sensor elements. This makes it possible to check to what extent triggered actions in the system may or may not be related to a damaged or faulty sensor element. This test routine thus ensures a particularly reliable system.

[0025] Furthermore, a further embodiment of the invention provides that the functional test includes a respective test routine for the at least one actuator element. This makes it possible to check to what extent triggered actions in the system may or may not be related to a damaged or faulty actuator element. This test routine thus ensures a particularly reliable system.

[0026] Furthermore, a further embodiment of the invention provides for the respective test results of the individual test routines to be evaluated together using the control and processing unit with the evaluation program, so that multiple errors can be detected. Mutually dependent error sources can thus be clearly identified, allowing suitable courses of action to be initiated quickly.

[0027] Furthermore, a further embodiment of the invention provides that the respective test routines for the various, differing sensor elements are designed to compare the respective measured current values ​​of the respective, differing sensor elements with the respective expected values ​​stored in the control and processing unit with the evaluation program, so that the extent of an error can be determined and, depending on this extent, at least one further action routine stored in the evaluation program can be triggered. This ensures particularly reliable operation of the system, since the functionality of the individual, differing sensor elements can be checked during operation, so that any false alarm is detectable.

[0028] In addition, a further embodiment of the invention provides that a further action routine comprises the activation of a position-finding device. If the charging station, and thus the integrated system, is moved spatially away from a destination, this movement can not only be registered, but a new position can also be determined quickly and reliably using the position-finding device. This makes it easy to locate a stolen charging station and secure it accordingly. Such a position-finding device can, for example, comprise a suitable GPS receiver, which can be integrated, for example, into the roof of the system or the charging station. The integration of such a GPS receiver serves to determine the current position and any change in position, which is of particular interest, for example, in the event of a theft attempt.

[0029] According to the invention, it is further provided that a further action routine comprises the activation of a communication unit, in particular a communication unit based on mobile radio and / or Wi-Fi technology, so that at least information about the current status of the charging station can be provided to an operator. Thus, an operator can be informed about statuses at any time and, if necessary, initiate or implement appropriate measures.

[0030] Finally, a further embodiment of the invention provides that, prior to each activation of the system, a user-defined start routine can be executed, which includes a respective test routine for the various sensor elements and / or an insulation test of the charging station's power electronics and / or a battery test. This start routine thus ensures reliable operation so that false alarms during ongoing operation can be essentially eliminated.

[0031] The inventions presented can be used and implemented in connection with any charging station or mobile charging station. For example, they could be used with flexible rapid charging stations and AC-DC wall boxes. The inventions presented could also be transferred to other fields of application. For example, they could be used with ticket machines, distribution boxes, transformer stations, and cell phone towers.

[0032] The various embodiments of the invention mentioned in this application can be advantageously combined with one another, unless otherwise stated in the individual case.

[0033] The invention is explained below in exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show: Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a system for theft and vandalism detection and warning for charging stations for vehicles; Figure 2 shows a process flow diagram of a method for theft and vandalism detection and warning for charging stations for vehicles; Figure 3 shows a more detailed further process flow diagram of a method for theft and vandalism detection and warning for charging stations for vehicles; Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of a charging station comprising a system according to claims 1 to 12.

[0034] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a system 10 for theft and vandalism detection and warning for charging stations 28 for vehicles. The system 10 is shown with a control and computing unit 12 with an evaluation program 14. The evaluation program 14 is designed, for example, to include a computer program product for carrying out a method according to claim 12.

[0035] In other words, this evaluation program 14 is also intended to assume and execute control activities of the system 10 and its respective components. Furthermore, the system 10 is shown with an inclination sensor 16 and a motion sensor 18, each of which is coupled to the control and processing unit 12 with the evaluation program 14, so that the respective states of these sensor elements 16, 18 can be detected and / or controlled. Furthermore, the system 10 is shown with an actuator element 20 for outputting a warning signal and further sensor elements 22, 24, 26, wherein these elements are also coupled to the control and processing unit 12 with the evaluation program 14. The different sensor elements 16, 18, 22, 24, 26 are designed to detect states of a charging station 28 (not shown in detail). The different sensor elements 16, 18, 22, 24, 26 are each designed in such a way that a different state can be detected.The inclination sensor 16 is therefore designed to detect movement states of the system 10 or a charging station 28 (not shown in detail). These movement states can be related, for example, to heights, depths, and inclinations. For example, changes in the ground, in particular tipping and / or subsidence, but also a transport attempt, can be detected. The motion sensor 18, on the other hand, detects the extent to which at least one person or at least one object approaches the system 10 or a charging station 28 into which the system 10 is integrated. This motion sensor 18 can, for example, be arranged on the outside of the system 10.In an activated state of the system 10, the inclination sensor 16 and the motion sensor 18 are activated, wherein each change in the state of the inclination sensor 16 and / or the motion sensor 18 detected by the control and computing unit 12 with evaluation program 14 causes an activation of at least one further sensor element 22, 24, 26, so that an evaluation of all activated sensor elements 16, 18, 22, 24, 26 can be carried out by the control and computing unit 12 with evaluation program 14 and, depending on an evaluation result, an action routine stored for this purpose in the evaluation program 14 can be triggered. The first further sensor element 22 can be or comprise an acceleration sensor, for example. The second further sensor element 24 can be or comprise a brightness sensor, for example. The third further sensor element 26 can be or comprise a shock sensor, for example.The shock sensor can, for example, be integrated into an exterior wall of the system 10, so that mechanical impacts on the exterior wall or outer skin can be reliably detected. The brightness sensor can, for example, be integrated into an exterior wall of the system 10, so that, for example, dirt, both natural and in the form of graffiti, on the exterior wall or outer skin can be reliably detected.

[0036] Further sensor elements may also be provided in a manner not shown in detail. For example, a camera device and / or a microphone device may be provided in the system 10. The actuator element 20 may, for example, be selected from the following components: loudspeaker, screen unit, exterior lighting element, inclination compensation device, in particular an inclination compensation device with at least one servo motor, warning light element. Several different actuator elements 20 may also be provided. The number of different actuator elements 20 may also be arbitrary and may, for example, be based on the size of the charging station 28 into which the presented system 10 is to be integrated. The integration of loudspeakers may, for example, be provided for acoustic warning notification when one of the aforementioned sensor elements 16, 18, 22, 24, 26 is activated. In particular, a warning signal can thus be emitted.This warning signal can be provided in the form of an acoustic signal and / or in the form of a warning message. This warning signal can also be provided specifically for the respective activated sensor element 16, 18, 22, 24, 26 or correspond to a combination of activated sensor elements 16, 18, 22, 24, 26 or can be stored in the system 10 in a user-defined manner. The integration of one or more display units and / or one or more warning lights and / or an exterior lighting element can, for example, be provided as a visual warning signal or as a visual warning message. This visual warning signal can also be provided specifically for the respective activated sensor element 16, 18, 22, 24, 26 or correspond to a combination of activated sensor elements 16, 18, 22, 24, 26 or can be stored in the system 10 in a user-defined manner.

[0037] The inclination compensation device can, for example, be provided with at least one servomotor at the lower corners of the system 10 or the charging station 28 into which the system 10 is to be integrated, in order to detect and / or compensate for unevenness and changes in the ground. The integration of cameras can, for example, be provided to detect and record the immediate surroundings of the system 10 or the charging station 28 into which the system 10 is to be integrated. The integration of microphones can be provided to also acoustically detect and record this surroundings. The integration of a multi-stage actuator system can be provided for the active display and playback of warning signals and / or warning messages in the event of improper handling (theft, vandalism) and environmental influences.For example, on-demand activation of facial, object, and voice recognition can be provided for rapid, automated evaluation of the situation. The number of different sensor elements 16, 18, 22, 24, 26 can be arbitrarily selected. For example, this number can be determined depending on the size of the charging station into which the presented system 10 is to be integrated. This number of different sensor elements 16, 18, 22, 24, 26 can be distributed in such a way that the previously explained advantages can be optimally provided in each case.

[0038] Figure 2shows a process flow diagram 100 of a method for theft and vandalism detection and warning for charging stations 28 for vehicles. In a first process step 110, a control and computing unit 12 with an evaluation program 14 is provided. In a second process step 120, a plurality of different sensor elements 16, 18, 22, 24, 26 are provided, which are designed to detect states of the charging station 28, wherein at least one unit of each different sensor element 16, 18, 22, 24, 26 is provided and respective sensor elements 16, 18, 22, 24, 26 are each coupled to the control and computing unit 12 with the evaluation program 14, so that respective states of the sensor elements 16, 18, 22, 24, 26 can be detected and / or controlled. In a third method step 130, at least one actuator element 20 is provided for outputting a warning signal.In a fourth method step 140, at least one inclination sensor 16 and at least one motion sensor 18 are provided, wherein a respective change in state of the at least one inclination sensor 16 and / or of the at least one motion sensor 18 detected by the control and computing unit 12 with evaluation program 14 causes an activation of at least one further sensor element 22, 24, 26, so that an evaluation of all activated sensor elements 16, 18, 22, 24, 26 can be carried out by means of the control and computing unit 12 with evaluation program 14 and, depending on an evaluation result, an action routine provided for this purpose and stored in the evaluation program 14 can be triggered.

[0039] Figure 3shows a more detailed further process flow diagram 200 of a method for theft and vandalism detection and warning for charging stations 28 for vehicles. This more detailed further process flow diagram 200 is shown divided into four stages 210, 220, 230, 240, with the successive stages 210, 220, 230, 240 being shown from left to right in relation to the image plane. In the first stage 210, an environment detection takes place. In the second stage 220, a mechanical impact is detected. In the third stage 230, a more detailed environment detection and person identification take place. In the fourth stage 240, position tracking takes place.

[0040] In a first procedural action 250, an operator starts a system 10 for theft and vandalism detection and warning for charging stations 28 for vehicles. This system 10 is provided as functionally integrated into the charging station 28. In a second procedural action 252, an inclination sensor 16 and a motion sensor 18 are activated. In a third procedural action 254, the inclination sensor 16 and the motion sensor 18 are monitored by a control and computing unit 12 with an evaluation program 14. In a fourth procedural action 256, a query is made as to the extent to which movement of the system 10 or the charging station 28 in which the system 10 is integrated is detected. If no, further monitoring takes place. If yes, a fifth procedural action 258 follows, in which lighting, for example an exterior lighting element, is activated.In a sixth procedural action 260, an acoustic and / or visual detector is also activated. Parallel to the fourth procedural action 256, a seventh procedural action 262 can query whether an inclination was detected during monitoring of the inclination sensor 16. If not, further monitoring is performed. If yes, an eighth procedural action 264 queries the extent to which the detected inclination is greater than a predetermined value x. If the detected inclination is not greater than a predetermined value x, an inclination compensation is activated in a ninth procedural action 266, and further monitoring of the inclination sensor 16 follows. If the detected inclination is greater than a predetermined value x, a communication of the sensor value is sent to the operator in a tenth procedural action 268.After the sixth method step 260, the following follows in parallel with the explanations relating to the inclination sensor 16: In an eleventh method step 270, an acceleration sensor 270 is activated and / or in a twelfth method step 272, a shock sensor is activated and / or in a thirteenth method step 274, a brightness sensor is activated.

[0041] These latter procedural actions are already provided for in the second stage 220. In a fourteenth procedural action 276, the individual sensor elements are queried, and these sensor values ​​are provided to the control and processing unit 12 with the evaluation program 14. In a fifteenth procedural action 278, the sensor values ​​are evaluated. If at least one sensor value is outside a threshold value, which is queried in a sixteenth procedural action 280, the tenth procedural action 268 also follows, namely, communication is established and the sensor value is sent to the operator. If this is not the case, the program switches back to the fourteenth procedural action 276. Following each activated tenth procedural action 268, a local warning signal is activated in a seventeenth procedural action 282, and the power electronics of the charging station 28 are switched off.In an eighteenth procedural step 284, this is verified by the operator. In a nineteenth procedural step 286, the operator checks the results. If this result check reveals that the transmitted values ​​are not correct, a twentieth procedural step deactivates all customer functions associated with the system 10 and the charging station 28 into which the system 10 is integrated. If, however, everything is OK, the process switches accordingly to the first procedural step 250, so that the previously explained steps begin again.

[0042] Starting from the seventeenth procedural action 282, the third and fourth stages 230, 240 are activated in parallel. This process is optional, since further actions are provided in these two stages 230, 240. In a twenty-first procedural action 290, a query is made as to whether a detected acceleration by means of the acceleration sensor lies outside a specified threshold value. If not, a camera device is activated in a twenty-second procedural action 292 and / or a microphone device is activated in a twenty-third procedural action 294. In a twenty-fourth procedural action 296, the sensor elements are queried, whereby these sensor values ​​are also provided to the control and processing unit 12 with the evaluation program 14. For the sake of clarity, this control and processing unit 12 with the evaluation program 14 is shown in this Figure 3shown twice, although in each case it is the same control and computing unit 12 with evaluation program 14. In a variant embodiment not shown in more detail, this control and computing unit can also be merely a buffer or a buffer with at least one additional function. In general, two separate structural units can therefore also be provided, which comprise at least one storage function and / or a functionally expanded storage component. In other words, among other things, the sensor values ​​are buffered here in order to be evaluated at a later time. In a twenty-fifth procedural action 298, the camera data is evaluated, for example facial recognition and / or object recognition taking place.In a twenty-sixth procedural action 300, the microphone data is evaluated, for example, performing voice recognition. In a twenty-seventh procedural action 302, the camera and microphone recordings are sent to the operator, while at the same time, in a twenty-eighth procedural action 304, a query is made again as to whether a detected acceleration lies outside a specified threshold. If not, the system continues with the twenty-first procedural action 290. In the twenty-first procedural action 290, if an acceleration outside the specified threshold is detected, a positioning device, for example in the form of a GPS device, is activated in a twenty-ninth procedural action 306, whereby the twenty-second procedural action 292 is also triggered simultaneously.Following the twenty-eighth procedural action 304, the GPS data are evaluated in a thirtieth procedural action 306, which can also be triggered by the control and processing unit 12 with the evaluation program 14. These evaluated GPS data are then sent to the operator in a thirty-first procedural action 310.

[0043] Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of a charging station 28 according to claims 1 to 11. List of reference symbols

[0044] 10System 12Control and processing unit 14Evaluation program 16Inclination sensor 18Motion sensor 20Actuator element 22First additional sensor element 24Second additional sensor element 26Third additional sensor element 28Charging station 100Process flow diagram 110First process step 120Second process step 130Third process step 140Fourth process step 200More detailed additional process flow diagram 210First stage 220Second stage 230Third stage 240Fourth stage 250First process action 252Second process action 254Third process action 256Fourth process action 258Fifth process action 260Sixth process action 262Seventh process action 264Eighth process action 266Ninth process action 268Tenth process action 270Eleventh process action 272twelfth procedural act 274thirteenth procedural act 276fourteenth procedural act 278fifteenth procedural act 280sixteenth procedural act 282seventeenth procedural act284 eighteenth procedural act 286 nineteenth procedural act 288 twentieth procedural act 290 twenty-first procedural act 292 twenty-second procedural act 294 twenty-third procedural act 296 twenty-fourth procedural act 298 twenty-fifth procedural act 300 twenty-sixth procedural act 302 twenty-seventh procedural act 304 twenty-eighth procedural act 306 twenty-ninth procedural act 308 thirtieth procedural act 310 thirty-first procedural act

Claims

1. Charging station (28) for charging a vehicle, comprising a system (10) for theft and vandalism recognition and warning comprising a control and computing unit (12) which has an evaluation program (14) and a plurality of differing sensor elements (16, 18, 22, 24, 26) which are designed to detect states of the charging station (28), at least one unit of each differing sensor element (16, 18, 22, 24, 26) being provided and respective sensor elements (16, 18, 22, 24, 26) each being coupled to the control and computing unit (12) so that respective states of the sensor elements (16, 18, 22, 24, 26) can be detected and / or controlled, and which control and computing unit has at least one actuator element (20) for outputting a warning signal, characterized in that in the activated state of the system (10), at least one inclination sensor (16) and at least one motion sensor (18) are activated (S252) so that a relevant change in state of the at least one inclination sensor (16) and / or the at least one motion sensor (18) can be detected (S254) by means of the control and computing unit (12), environment recognition (S256, S262) taking place on the basis of a change in state of the at least one inclination sensor (16) and / or the at least one motion sensor (18), which change in state is detected by means of the control and computing unit (12), and, if a motion is recognized by means of the motion sensor (18), lighting of the charging station (28) and an acoustic and / or optical alarm of the charging station (28) are activated (S258, S260) and activation (S270, S272, S274) of an acceleration sensor, a shock sensor and / or a brightness sensor of the charging station (28) takes place, so that an evaluation (S276, S278) of the activated acceleration sensor, shock sensor and / or brightness sensor can be carried out by means of the control and computing unit (12) to recognize a mechanical effect on the charging station (28) and, depending on a result of the evaluation of the activated acceleration sensor, shock sensor and / or brightness sensor, an action routine provided for this purpose and stored in the evaluation program (14) can be triggered (S280) if at least one sensor value of the activated acceleration sensor, shock sensor and / or brightness sensor is outside a predetermined threshold value, the action routine comprising activating (S268) a communication unit and transmitting information about the current state of the charging station (28) to an operator, and the action routine further comprising activating (S282) the at least one actuator element (20) in order to output the warning signal and switching off power electronics of the charging station (28).

2. Charging station (28) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the information about the current state of the charging station (28) comprises at least one sensor value from at least one activated sensor.

3. Charging station (28) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one actuator element (20) is selected from: loudspeaker, screen unit, external lighting element, inclination compensation device, in particular inclination compensation device which has at least one servomotor, warning light element.

4. Charging station (28) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein after the power electronics of the charging station (28) have been switched off, a functional test of the system (10) can be triggered in a user-defined manner.

5. Charging station (28) according to claim 4, wherein the functional test comprises a relevant test routine for the various differing sensor elements (16, 18, 22, 24, 26).

6. Charging station (28) according to any of the preceding claims 4 to 5, wherein the functional test comprises a relevant test routine for the at least one actuator element (20).

7. Charging station (28) according to any of the preceding claims 5 to 6, wherein respective test results of the individual test routines can be evaluated together by means of the control and computing unit (12) which has the evaluation program (14), so that multiple faults can be detected.

8. Charging station (28) according to any of the preceding claims 5 to 7, wherein the respective test routines for the various differing sensor elements (16, 18, 22, 24, 26) are designed to compare respective measured current values of the respective various differing sensor elements (16, 18, 22, 24, 26) with respective expected values stored in the control and computing unit (12) which has the evaluation program (14), so that an extent of a fault can be identified and so that, depending on this extent, at least one further action routine stored in the evaluation program (14) can be triggered.

9. Charging station (28) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a further action routine comprises activating a position locating device.

10. Charging station (28) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the communication unit is based on mobile radio and / or WiFi technology.

11. Charging station (28) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein before a relevant activation of the system (10), a start routine that can be triggered in a user-defined manner can be carried out, the start routine comprising a relevant test routine for the various differing sensor elements (16, 18, 22, 24, 26) and / or an insulation test of the power electronics of the charging station (28) and / or a battery test.

12. Method for theft and vandalism recognition and warning for charging stations for vehicles, comprising the following steps: • providing a control and computing unit (12) which has an evaluation program (14); • providing a plurality of differing sensor elements (16, 18, 22, 24, 26) which are designed to detect states of the charging station (28), at least one unit of each differing sensor element (16, 18, 22, 24, 26) being provided, and respective sensor elements (16, 18, 22, 24, 26) each being coupled to the control and computing unit (12) so that respective states of the sensor elements (16, 18, 22, 24, 26) can be detected and / or controlled; • providing at least one actuator element (20) for outputting a warning signal, characterized in that the method also comprises the following additional steps: • activating (S252) at least one inclination sensor (16) and at least one motion sensor (18) so that a relevant change in state of the at least one inclination sensor (16) and / or the at least one motion sensor (18) can be detected (S254) by means of the control and computing unit (12), • carrying out environment recognition (S256, S262) on the basis of a detected change in state of the at least one inclination sensor (16) and / or the at least one motion sensor (18), and activating (S258) lighting of the charging station (28), (S260) of an acoustic and / or optical alarm of the charging station (28) and of an (S270) acceleration sensor, (S272) shock sensor and / or (S274) brightness sensor of the charging station (28) when motion is recognized by means of the motion sensor (18), recognizing (S276) a mechanical effect on the charging station (29) by evaluating (S278) the activated acceleration sensor, shock sensor and / or brightness sensor by means of the control and computing unit (12) and, depending on a result of the evaluation of the activated acceleration sensor, shock sensor and / or brightness sensor, triggering (S280) an action routine provided for this purpose and stored in the evaluation program (14) if at least one sensor value of the activated acceleration sensor, shock sensor and / or brightness sensor is outside a predetermined threshold value, • the action routine comprising activating (S268) a communication unit and transmitting information about the current state of the charging station (28) to an operator, and • the action routine further comprising activating (S282) the at least one actuator element (20) in order to output the warning signal and switching off power electronics of the charging station (28).

13. Computer program product comprising instructions which, when the method is executed by a computer on a charging station according to claim 1, cause the computer to execute the method according to claim 12.