Charging station for electric vehicles

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a charging station for electric vehicles. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Charging stations are generally used to charge electric vehicles with electricity.

[0003] In their design, charging stations are often similar to conventional fuel pumps. Therefore, charging stations are also referred to as electric charging stations or charging columns. Such charging stations can be located in public or private spaces. A charging cable with a plug can either be plugged into a socket in the charging station or is already attached to the charging station and serves to electrically connect the charging station to an electric vehicle. Some charging stations, such as those in US20190047430 A1, comprise a base body and a rigidly mounted boom that supports the charging cable in such a way that it is kept off the ground.

[0004] Various winding and deflection mechanisms are known for storing charging cables, for example, from CN110682817A, CN209972210U, CN209921107U, DE202019102323U1, CN209955790U, DE102018211344A1, and DE202011100062U1. Furthermore, utility model CN208544138U discloses a charging cable holder comprising a base, a spring, and a support element attached to the spring on one side. A charging cable is attached to the support element to prevent the charging cable from dragging on the floor and becoming damaged. The support element can pivot outward with the charging cable for a charging process and automatically pivot the charging cable back to its original position after the charging process.

[0005] A charging station for electric vehicles is known from DE 202015102593 U1. This known charging station comprises a charging column and at least one charging connector for providing a charging connection to an electric vehicle. The charging connector is connected to the charging column via a charging cable. The cable entry for the charging cable into the charging connector is provided on the top side of the charging connector, so that the charging connector is suspended from the charging cable.

[0006] US Pat. No. 5,306,999 discloses an electric vehicle charging station with a base unit, wherein the base unit is mounted on a building or supporting structure. The electric vehicle charging station further comprises an electrical cable and a pole assembly. The cable is held by the spring-mounted pole assembly. TASK

[0007] Therefore, one object of the invention is to provide a charging station in a compact, safe and protected design, which in particular enables the electric vehicle to be driven close, keeps a charging cable safely away from the ground and enables easy handling of the charging cable for a user. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0008] According to the invention, a charging station for charging electric vehicles is provided according to claim 1. The charging station according to the invention essentially comprises an electric charging cable and a spring element. The spring element can be fixed at one end, and the other end can be elastically movable. The spring element can support the electric charging cable at least in sections.

[0009] Preferably, the charging station according to the invention does not comprise a charging column housing. Rather, the charging station according to the invention can have a slim, space-saving design due to its design with an electric charging cable and supporting spring. The slim design allows for a short distance between the charging station and an electric vehicle to be charged. This allows for a significant reduction in the length of the electric charging cable and thus in electrical resistance and heat loss in the electric charging cable. Due to its compact design, the charging station according to the invention can reduce the need for public space. Furthermore, the charging station according to the invention can be arranged more flexibly in public spaces.

[0010] The spring element can cause at least a section of the electric charging cable to be raised upright. This allows a long total length of the electric charging cable, e.g., up to 3 m, to be achieved. Raising the cable prevents the electric charging cable from touching a floor surface or lying in a traffic area. This applies even if the electric charging cable is not plugged into an electric vehicle or is not additionally held or coiled by a charging cable holder.

[0011] Preferably, the spring element supports the electric charging cable from a floor surface substantially vertically or upright. Alternatively, the spring element can be attached to a vertical wall and support the electric charging cable upright. Furthermore, the spring element can be attached to a ceiling and support the electric charging cable vertically downwards. When charging with direct current, the electric charging cable is generally very heavy. Sheathing the electric charging cable can further increase the weight. The spring element can support at least part of this weight; the electric charging cable can be more easily pulled to an electric vehicle for charging. The spring element can be inclined or pre-tensioned in an arc towards the electric vehicle. A restoring force of the spring element can cause the electric charging cable to retract to a rest position after charging the electric vehicle.

[0012] Conventional above-ground charging station enclosures typically contain expensive and sensitive electronic components. The charging station according to the invention can operate without such an above-ground charging station enclosure, thus being generally more protected against vandalism, such as driving over, spraying, or cutting off the charging cable and spring.

[0013] In a further embodiment, the spring element can partially surround the electric charging cable. This allows an even more compact design to be achieved. In particular, slightly more than the total length of the charging cable is surrounded by the spring element above the ground surface, so that the electric charging cable does not touch the ground surface or lie in a traffic area. This applies even when the electric charging cable is not plugged into an electric vehicle or is not additionally held or coiled by a charging cable holder. In particular, in a relaxed state, the spring element supports the electric charging cable such that the electric charging cable does not touch the ground surface.

[0014] According to the invention, the spring element is to be arranged or fastened at one end to a technical unit. The technical unit can comprise at least one of the components cooling device, control system, DC-DC converter, contactor and relay. The technical unit is arranged in particular below or parallel to a floor surface or behind or parallel to a wall surface. In particular, the technical unit is arranged concealed. The technical unit preferably replaces the conventional charging column. Due to the concealed arrangement of the technical unit, a visible part of the charging station according to the invention can be designed compactly and space-saving. The concealed arrangement can protect the expensive components from vandalism. Accidental damage to the components is also generally prevented by the concealed arrangement. A previously required emergency stop switch can be omitted due to the protected design of the charging station according to the invention.The compact design of the charging station according to the invention also prevents the accumulation of debris on the charging station, thus reducing cleaning effort. Furthermore, the lack of a charging column allows electric vehicles to drive close to the charging station according to the invention, saving parking space, for example.

[0015] According to an advantageous embodiment, the charging station according to the invention comprises a direct current charging station, which is connected in particular to a direct current line. A central energy source, e.g., a photovoltaic system, battery, and / or rectifier station, can supply direct current to one or more direct current charging stations via the direct current line. While conventional charging stations are often connected to alternating current sources and therefore require large components for rectification and cooling, the direct current charging station uses direct current, which can be converted, for example, with a compact DC converter in the technical unit to a working DC voltage for charging the electric vehicle.

[0016] Furthermore, the electrical charging cable can include a plug, and the charging station can include a plug holder for removably holding the plug. The plug can include, for example, a CCS, Chademo, and / or Tesla Supercharger plug. To ensure ergonomic accessibility of the plug for a user standing in front of the charging station, the plug holder can be positioned approximately between an average hand height and elbow height of the user, for example, at a distance of approximately 664 to approximately 1179 mm from the floor. The plug holder is preferably arranged on the spring element.

[0017] According to the invention, the charging station should comprise a status indicator. The status indicator is arranged at the other end of the spring element. Furthermore, the charging station can comprise a wireless communication means. The wireless communication means can be arranged at the other end of the spring element. Preferably, the wireless communication means and status indicator are integrated in one unit or housing. The status indicator can be connected to the controller in the technical unit. The status indicator shows, in particular, availability, a fault, an ongoing charging process, and / or a completed charging process. The status indicator can comprise one or more visual and / or acoustic indicators, such as lamps, displays, and loudspeakers. The wireless communication means can be connected to the controller in the technical unit.The wireless communication means comprises, for example, Wi-Fi, NFC, or Bluetooth and can wirelessly exchange information about the status of the charging station, details of a charging process, and the like with another wirelessly communicating device, e.g., the user's smartphone. By consistently separating charging station components that are required above ground, such as the status display and / or the wireless communication means, from those that are not required above ground, such as the components of the concealed technical unit, the charging station according to the invention can be designed in a compact and protected form.

[0018] In a further preferred embodiment, the spring element comprises a coil spring. The coil spring allows, among other things, the electrical charging cable to be partially enclosed. This protects the electrical charging cable from damage. Furthermore, the coil spring can vertically support the surrounding charging cable section.

[0019] In a further embodiment, the spring element can have two different pitches. Furthermore, the spring element or its pitches, its length, and / or its spring hardness can be individually designed to suit the weight or length of the electric charging cable. The different pitches enable different elastic deformations along the length of the spring element.

[0020] The spring element is surrounded by a flexible protective sleeve. This flexible protective sleeve protects the spring element from environmental influences, contamination, and damage.

[0021] Advantageous developments of the invention are specified in the subclaims and described in the description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the drawings and the following description. They show: Figure 1 an embodiment of a charging station according to the invention and Figure 2 another embodiment of a charging station according to the invention. EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0023] In the Figure 1A charging station 100 for charging an electric vehicle is shown. The charging station 100 comprises an electrical charging cable 102, a helical compression spring 104, and a technical unit 106. The technical unit 106 is embedded in or arranged beneath a base surface 108. The helical compression spring 104 is fastened by means of a flange 110 to a side surface of the technical unit 106, which is parallel to or flush with the base surface 108. As a result, the helical compression spring 104 protrudes at right angles or vertically from the base surface 108. The flange 110 is fastened to the side surface with several fastening screws. The electrical charging cable 102 is guided through the flange 110 and electrically connected inside the technical unit 106. The helical compression spring 104 is approximately 1100 to 1500 mm long and has a diameter of approximately 65 mm; The charging cable 102 is arranged in the inner winding diameter of the helical compression spring 104.The charging cable 102 has a length of 2200 to 3000 mm, thus being guided essentially halfway through the helical compression spring 104. At another end of the helical compression spring 104, the charging cable 102 is freely protruding. The helical compression spring 104 is dimensioned, particularly with regard to its pitch, length, and spring stiffness, to suit the charging cable 102 such that, when the helical compression spring 104 is in its rest position, the charging cable 102 is vertically supported and does not rest on the floor surface 108.

[0024] The helical compression spring 104 is surrounded by a flexible protective sleeve 114, which protects the helical compression spring 104 from environmental influences, contamination and damage.

[0025] A DC charging plug 112 is arranged at a free end of the charging cable 102. When the helical compression spring 104 is in its rest position, the DC charging plug 112 is removably held by a bracket 116. The bracket 116 is attached to the protective sleeve 114 or the helical compression spring 104 at a distance of approximately 664 to approximately 1179 mm from the base surface 108.

[0026] For a charging process, a user grasps the DC charging plug 112, removes it from the holder 116, pulls the DC charging plug 112 towards the electric vehicle, then tensions a free section of the charging cable 102, pulls further and elastically deforms the helical compression spring 104, whereby the other end of the helical compression spring 104 together with the charging cable 102 arranged therein tilts further towards the electric vehicle and thus bridges a distance between the charging station 100 and the electric vehicle. After the charging process, the user can easily guide the DC charging plug 112 back towards the charging station 100, whereby the tensioned helical compression spring 104 supports the charging cable 102 and assists the user by means of a restoring force.

[0027] The charging station 100 further comprises a cylindrical status light 118 with a diameter of 150 mm, which is arranged at the other end of the helical compression spring 104 and which comprises one or more visual indicators, such as rotating lamps and displays, to indicate availability, a fault, an ongoing charging process, and / or a completed charging process. Furthermore, the charging station 100 comprises a WLAN unit integrated into the status light 118 and configured to wirelessly transmit information about the status of the charging station 100, details of a charging process, and the like to a user's smartphone or to the electric vehicle.

[0028] By elevating the charging cable 102, operating the cable is made easier, as the helical compression spring 104 bears part of the cable's weight. This results in easier handling when routing the charging cable 102. Due to the compact dimensions of the helical compression spring 104 and the status light 118, the charging station 100 takes up little space in a public space, and the charging cable 102 can be routed closer to the electric vehicle. Furthermore, the compact dimensions allow the charging cable 102 to be freely positioned in public spaces. By separating the underground technical unit 106 from the above-ground components, such as the charging cable 102 and the helical compression spring 104, no live equipment can be exposed if the spring is driven over or torn out. This increases operational safety; an emergency stop switch is no longer required.The charging station 100 also offers greater protection against vandalism than conventional charging stations, as essentially only the charging cable 102 and the helical compression spring 104 can be detached, making theft less of a concern due to the short cable length. Spraying or painting is not a concern due to the small surface area. Garbage cannot simply be placed on the charging station 100. The small space requirement of the charging station 100 also allows for easy retrofitting in public spaces, parking garages, and underground garages.

[0029] In the Figure 2 a charging station 200 is shown, which is attached to a parking garage wall 202. Behind the parking garage wall 202, i.e. hidden, is a technical unit 204, similar to the technical unit 106 in Fig. 1 , arranged. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0030] 100Charging station 102Electric charging cable 104Screw compression spring 106Technical unit 108Floor surface 110Flange 112DC charging plug 114Protective sleeve 116Bracket 118Status light 200Charging station 202Parking garage wall 204Technical unit

Claims

1. Charging station (100; 200) for charging electric vehicles, comprising an electric charging cable (102), a technical unit (106; 204) and a spring element (104) which is fastened at one end and which is elastically movable at another end, wherein the spring element (104) supports the electric charging cable (102) at least in part characterized in that the spring element (104) is arranged at one end on the technical unit (106; 204) and wherein the technical unit (106; 204) is fastened under a floor surface (108) or behind a wall surface (202), and in that the charging station (100; 200) comprises a status indicator (118) which is arranged at the other end of the spring element (104).

2. Charging station (100; 200) according to claim 1 characterized in that the spring element (104) partially surrounds the electric charging cable (102).

3. Charging station (100; 200) according to claim 1 or 2 characterized in that the spring element (104), in a relaxed state, supports the electric charging cable (102) so that the electric charging cable (102) does not touch a floor surface (108).

4. Charging station (100; 200) according to claim 3 characterized in that the technical unit (106; 204) comprises at least one of the components of: cooling device, controller, DC to DC converter, contactor and relay.

5. Charging station (100; 200) according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that the charging station (100; 200) comprises a DC charging station (100; 200) which is connected in particular to a DC line.

6. Charging station (100; 200) according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that the electric charging cable (102) comprises a plug (112) and the charging station (100; 200) comprises a plug holder (116) for removably holding the plug (112).

7. Charging station (100; 200) according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that the charging station (100; 200) comprises a wireless communication means.

8. Charging station (100; 200) according to claim 7, characterized in that the wireless communication means is arranged at the other end of the spring element (104).

9. Charging station (100; 200) according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that the spring element (104) comprises a coil spring (104).

10. Charging station (100; 200) according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that the spring element (104) has at least two different pitches.

11. Charging station (100; 200) according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that the spring element (104) is surrounded by a flexible protective sleeve (114).