Curb, paving stone or curb charging system for charging an energy storage unit of an electrically powered vehicle

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a curb, paving stone or kerb charging system for charging an energy storage device of an electrically powered vehicle, comprising a curb, paving stone or kerb unit with a surface that forms a walking or driving surface when installed, a charging socket with an insertion opening through which electrical contacts of the charging socket are accessible, and which is at least indirectly attached to the curb, paving stone or kerb unit, a plug that can be inserted into the insertion opening of the charging socket to contact the contacts of the charging socket, and a socket cover for covering the insertion opening of the charging socket outside of the charging process, which socket cover is rotatably mounted via a pivot axis to the curb, paving stone or kerb unit.

[0002] Such curb, paving stone, or kerb charging devices are charging stations integrated into the curb, paving stone, or kerb, or curbs, paving stones, or kerbs that incorporate at least one charging socket connected to a central charging station. An electrical connection to an electrically powered vehicle can be established via the charging sockets to charge its energy storage device or battery. This particularly applies to purely electrically powered vehicles but also to hybrid vehicles. Chargeable vehicles can be passenger cars, trucks, motorcycles, or electric bicycles.

[0003] Due to the new legislation, the growing interest of the population in climate protection and the improved economic viability of electrified vehicles, it is to be expected that the proportion of electric vehicles will increase dramatically, especially in inner-city areas, so that the available charging infrastructure must be expanded significantly. This means that some existing parking spaces or sidewalks must be provided with appropriate charging options in order to ensure individual mobility in the future.

[0004] Known concepts for this include the use of streetlights, additional charging stations, or wall boxes on building walls. All of these concepts require additional space and cause disruption to pedestrians due to the charging cables required.

[0005] For this reason, charging systems have become known in which the charging devices or at least the charging sockets are integrated into the curb or the kerbstone or paving stones forming the sidewalk. In this context, it should be noted that, for the purposes of the invention, a paving stone, curbstone, or kerbstone does not necessarily have to have a stone element. This means that the paving stones, curbstones, or kerbstones can also be composed of different materials, such as plastic, in particular fiber-reinforced plastic, or metal, concrete, or plastics containing stones. In this case, different parts made of different materials can also be assembled to form the paving, curbstone, or kerbstone unit.

[0006] Integrating the charging socket or the entire charging unit into the curb has the advantage of eliminating charging stations from blocking the sidewalk and thus disrupting the visual appearance. It also prevents charging cables from protruding across the sidewalk and creating tripping hazards for pedestrians. Instead, it requires no additional space, simply utilizing existing infrastructure. It also prevents damage to the charging infrastructure caused by vehicle accidents.

[0007] A special design of such a curb with electronics for charging a vehicle is known from GB 2 591 830 A. This curb has a modular design and comprises a base element to which an interchangeable curb head can be inserted, which can contain electronic elements and a charging socket. This container can integrate wireless telecommunications technologies and infrastructures, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or parking sensors or even battery packs. The charging socket is mounted in a recess in the upper section and is accessible from the outside. It is perpendicular to the road surface. Accordingly, dirt and water can penetrate the charging socket.

[0008] Furthermore, GB 2 602 632 discloses a curbstone with a charging socket that is either facing the road surface or also positioned perpendicular to the road surface. In both cases, a socket cover is provided, which must be opened to insert the plug into the charging socket.

[0009] Furthermore, WO2021 / 250427 A1 discloses a curbstone with a recessed charging socket, which is provided with a charging socket cover.

[0010] The problem with these modules, however, is that they are often located outdoors and thus exposed to the elements, yet not protected from dirt and moisture. Accordingly, the socket cover becomes dirty over time. This means that the user also comes into contact with the dirt when manually opening the socket unless they use additional gloves or other tools. Furthermore, the user has to bend down to reach the charging socket, and there is a risk of pinching their fingers on the socket cover. Frozen socket covers are also difficult to remove.

[0011] The challenge, therefore, is to provide a curb, paving stone, or kerbside charging system for charging the energy storage unit of an electrically powered vehicle that minimizes user contamination and eliminates the need for additional tools to open the socket cover and plug in the connector. Furthermore, injuries should be avoided and opening the socket cover should be simplified, even in icy conditions.

[0012] This object is achieved by a curb, paving stone or kerb charging system for charging an energy storage device of an electrically powered vehicle having the features of main claim 1.

[0013] A curb, paving stone, or kerb charging system according to the invention for charging an energy storage device of an electrically powered vehicle comprises a curb, paving stone, or kerb unit with a surface that forms a walking or driving surface when installed. This unit can be constructed in several parts and, for example, have a base body with a cover. A charging socket is at least indirectly attached to this curb, paving stone, or kerb unit. This means that the socket can be attached directly to the cover or base body or to these parts via additional intermediate elements. The charging socket has an insertion opening through which the electrical contacts of the charging socket are accessible. Depending on the design, these contacts can either protrude into the insertion opening or be accessible in the area axially immediately behind the insertion opening for correspondingly protruding contacts of a plug.An insertion opening is the area of ​​a charging socket into which a suitable plug is inserted when establishing the electrical connection, and which is usually axially delimited by a radially extending wall. Furthermore, the charging system has a corresponding plug that can be inserted into the insertion opening of the charging socket to contact the contacts of the charging socket and establish an electrical connection. The charging socket is protected by a socket cover, which covers the insertion opening of the charging socket when not in use and must be lifted off the charging socket to establish the electrical connection. For this purpose, the socket cover is mounted so that it can rotate relative to the curb, paving stone, or kerbstone unit via a pivot axis.This bearing can be attached either to a part of the curb, paving stone, or kerbstone unit itself or to a component connected to this unit, as is the case, for example, with a pivoting or liftable socket. According to the invention, the plug has a recess on an outer circumference of its housing, and the socket cover has a bulge on its outer circumference opposite the pivot axis, the outward-facing end of which can be received in the recess. Accordingly, the plug can be guided to the socket cover in such a way that the walls of the plug defining the recess enclose the bulge, and thus the bulge is at least partially or completely received in the recess.This means that a user can remove their vehicle's charging cable from the trunk in a clean condition and move it against the bulge using the recess on it, so that the bulge rests in the recess. When the plug is subsequently lifted, the socket cover is also lifted without having to touch it with the hands. When lifting, the bulge on the socket cover slowly slides out of the recess, while the plug is now positioned opposite the underside of the socket cover and can be slid along this underside into the insertion opening. This allows the user to open the socket cover and insert the plug into the charging socket without the need for additional tools or having to move the socket cover by hand. This also prevents hand injuries and reduces the need for the user to bend down.Furthermore, the existing leverage makes it easier to apply greater force to open it if the socket cover is frozen.

[0014] Preferably, the outward-facing end of the bulge is shaped to correspond in width to the recess. This means that the bulge can be inserted into the recess with a relatively small circumferential gap, enabling more precise guidance of the socket cover. The height of the bulge should be selected to be smaller than the height of the recess.

[0015] Accordingly, the plug can be moved relative to the closed socket cover such that the socket cover's protrusion at least partially engages the plug's recess. The outward-facing end, which engages the recess, is part of the protrusion, but can also form the entire protrusion.

[0016] In a particular embodiment, the charging socket has a locking actuator with a bolt that engages the recess in the plug during the charging process. This allows the use of a standard plug, such as a Type 2 plug, which has a corresponding recess for locking when plugged in, to prevent accidental or unauthorized removal of the plug before the charging process is complete.

[0017] Preferably, a surface of the socket cover is arranged substantially in the same plane as the surface of the curb, paving stone or kerb unit forming the walking or driving surface, thereby preventing the socket cover from being subjected to additional loads by vehicles or people or from creating tripping hazards.

[0018] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the surface of the curb, paving stone, or kerbstone unit has a recess on the side of the charging socket facing the recess of the socket cover. This recess, at least in the area adjacent to the recess, is at a greater distance from the surface outside the recess than a point of the recess furthest from the surface outside the recess. This creates a space beneath the recess so that a section of the plug can be guided axially beneath the socket cover between its axial end and the recess, thereby ensuring good accessibility to the recess.

[0019] It is particularly preferred if the distance between a surface of the recess in the area below the bulge in the socket cover of the charging socket and the bulge in the socket cover substantially corresponds to the distance between an axial end of the plug and the recess. In this case, the plug can be placed on the surface of the recess, whereby the plug's recess automatically engages the bulge in the socket cover when the plug is moved toward the socket cover, thus significantly simplifying handling.

[0020] In a special design, the width of the recess corresponds at least to the cross-sectional width of a plug-in section of the plug, and the length of the recess in the direction of the socket cover is at least as large as the cross-sectional length of the plug-in section of the plug, so that a lateral offset of the bulge relative to the recess is prevented during insertion, while the plug can still be moved towards the socket cover. Cross-sectional width and cross-sectional length are understood to be the two planes of the plug that are perpendicular to one another, with the consideration relating to the correct direction of insertion of the plug into the charging socket. In this position, the cross-sectional length is measured in the direction from the hinge of the socket cover to the bulge, and the width is measured perpendicular to this.

[0021] The surface of the recess advantageously forms a straight plane, so that the axial ends of the walls of the plug, which also form a straight surface, can be guided on the plane without tilting movements.

[0022] The surface of the recess can be arranged parallel to the surface of the curb, paving stone or kerbstone unit forming the walking or driving surface, whereby a straight guide of the recess for receiving the bulge is provided.

[0023] In an alternative preferred embodiment, the surface of the recess is designed to slope downwards toward the charging socket. Here, a straight guide is also provided, with the slope additionally providing a possible drainage of water present in the recess.

[0024] To ensure reliable water drainage, the charging socket is surrounded by a water drainage plane, toward which the surface of the recess is designed to slope downwards. This prevents water from collecting on the surface of the recess. The water can be drained from this plane, for example, via a channel to the front of the curb, paving stone, or kerb unit, by designing the water drainage plane to slope downwards to the channel.

[0025] The recess is preferably formed on a protective cover of the curb, paving stone or kerbstone unit, which is in particular made of stainless steel or a reinforced plastic, so that the production of the recess is simple and at the same time sufficient strength is provided.

[0026] The socket cover is preferably attached to the protective cover via a hinge, allowing for easy folding. Furthermore, the socket cover is independent of the charging socket, allowing it to be removed and replaced without having to remove the socket cover.

[0027] Furthermore, it is advantageous if a projection is formed on the socket cover, which extends from an underside of the socket cover into the recess, offset from the bulge in the direction of the hinge, and which, when the charging socket is closed, is arranged between the charging socket and the bulge. This projection serves as a guide section for the socket cover when inserting the plug into the charging socket after opening the socket cover.

[0028] In a further embodiment, an opening is formed in the projection of the socket cover, into which a locking pin of a locking actuator engages when the socket cover is closed and not in the charging process. Accordingly, this projection also serves to lock the charging socket outside of charging times.

[0029] This creates a curb, paving stone, or kerb charging system for charging an energy storage device in an electrically powered vehicle. This system allows the user to lift the protective socket cover without creating dirt, even with standard plugs. Additional tools are eliminated. It also prevents water or dirt from accumulating in the operating area. Opening the socket cover is made easier because the user has to bend down less, can exert greater force, and can prevent finger injuries during opening.

[0030] A non-limiting embodiment of a curb, paving stone or kerb charging system according to the invention for charging an energy storage device of an electrically powered vehicle is described below using the example of a curb charging system with reference to the figures.

[0031] The Figure 1shows a schematic diagram of a street with a curb loading system according to the invention in plan view.

[0032] The Figure 2 shows a perspective side view of a section of a curb loading system according to the invention in a first position before opening the socket cover.

[0033] The Figure 3 shows a perspective side view of the section of the curb loading system according to the invention in a second position at the beginning of the opening process.

[0034] The Figure 4 shows a perspective side view of the section of the curb loading system according to the invention in a third position during the opening process of the socket cover.

[0035] The Figure 5 shows a perspective side view of the section of the curb loading system according to the invention in a fourth position shortly before completion of the opening process of the socket cover.

[0036] The Figure 6 shows a perspective side view of the section of the curb loading system according to the invention in a fifth position after completion of the opening process of the socket cover.

[0037] The Figure 7 shows a perspective side view of a section of a curb charging system according to the invention in a sixth position shortly after completion of the opening process of the socket cover and insertion of the plug.

[0038] The Figure 8 shows a side view of the charging socket in a cutaway view with the plug inserted.

[0039] In the Figure 11 shows a walking or driving surface 10 in the form of a sidewalk, which is bordered on one side by a house wall 12 and on the other side by a curb 14 formed by several stone elements 16 and curb charging devices 18 according to the invention and forming a boundary to the street 19. On the side of the sidewalk facing away from the curb 14 there is an energy source 20 in the form of a power connection connected to the power grid. The energy source 20 is connected to the curb or kerb charging devices 18 via underground power supply cables 22. Charging sockets 24 are arranged on the curb charging devices 18, into which a plug 26 is inserted, which is connected via a cable 28 to an energy storage device 30, in particular a battery of an electrically powered vehicle 32, so that this energy storage device 30 can be charged via the energy source 20.The curbside charging devices form a curbside charging system with the plugs.

[0040] The curb charging device 18 shown in the figures consists of a curb unit 34, which has a base body 36, which is made, for example, of concrete or plastic and may have fiber reinforcements or armouring, and in which a receiving space 38 is formed, into which at least the power supply cable 22 protrudes, but various electronic components for charging can also be arranged. The receiving space 38 can, in particular, be essentially hollow cuboid-shaped and has one side open to the surface of the walking or driving surface 10, which is closed by a protective cover 40, the outward-facing surface 42 of which forms the outer part of the walking or driving surface 10.

[0041] The protective cover 40, which is made in particular of stainless steel or a reinforced plastic, is attached to the base body 36 or a receiving container (not shown) arranged in the receiving space 38 and closes the upwardly facing, open side of the receiving space 38, in particular with the interposition of a seal (not shown). In addition, the protective cover 40 also rests on an upper side of the base body 36 and, viewed in the longitudinal direction, also extends over the ends of the receiving space 38.

[0042] The protective cover 40 has a rounded impact wall 44, which covers an edge between the upper side of the base body 36 and a side surface 46 of the base body 36 facing the street. The protective cover 40 can be attached using screws (not shown). The protective cover 40 limits the receiving space 38 upwards to the walking or driving surface 10.

[0043] The protective cover 40 has an opening 48 into which the charging socket 24 with its electrical contacts 50 protrudes from the receiving space 38 toward the surface 42. The charging socket 24 is closed off from the surface 42 by a hinged or pivotable socket cover 52. This socket cover 52 is connected to the protective cover 40 via a hinge 56 serving as a pivot axis 54 and, when closing the charging socket 24, rests with its outer edge region on a step 58 on the protective cover 40, which is formed on a radial boundary wall 60 of the opening 48.

[0044] Accordingly, the opening 48 tapers towards the receiving space 38 due to the step 58. The protective cover 40 has the same height in this radially outer region as the section 62 of the boundary wall 60 formed above the step 58, so that a surface 63 of the socket cover 52 essentially forms a common plane with a surface 42 of the protective cover 40 and thus forms part of the walking or driving surface 10. The section 62 of the boundary wall 60 has only a gap to the outer circumference of the socket cover 52, except in the region of the socket cover 52 opposite the hinge 56. In the inner region facing the charging socket 24, the socket cover 52 has a projection 66 which has essentially the same radial extent as the section of the charging socket 24 projecting into the opening 48, so that this part is placed sealingly on the charging socket 24 when the latter is closed.Of course, the height of the charging socket 24 relative to the socket cover 52 and the height of the step 58 must be coordinated accordingly. In this area, the socket cover 52 or, as shown in the . Figure 4 and 5 As shown, a seal 70 is provided on an outer wall 68 radially delimiting the charging socket 24 in order to prevent water from penetrating into the charging socket 24 when closed.

[0045] The socket cover 52 has its greatest width in a region 72 adjacent to the hinge 56, wherein the width is measured in a direction parallel to the hinge 56. With this width, it extends approximately to the middle of the charging socket 24, from where it tapers with increasing distance from the hinge 56 to the region 74 remote from the hinge 56. At this remote region 74, a bulge 76 is formed on the socket cover 52 that curves outward from the outer circumference in the direction of extension of the socket cover 52.

[0046] This area 74 of the socket cover 52, which is remote from the hinge 56, and thus the bulge 76 formed on the outer circumference of the socket cover 52, no longer rest on the step 58, but are spaced apart from the protective cover 40. For this purpose, a recess 78 is formed on the protective cover 40 adjacent to this remote area 74 of the socket cover 52, through which recess a locking pin 80 of a locking actuator for the socket cover 52 protrudes. When closed, the locking pin engages in a corresponding opening 82 on the underside of the socket cover 52, so that it cannot be opened without prior authentication. Once authentication has been completed, the locking pin 80 is extended from the opening 82, and the socket cover 52 can be opened by the user.This opening 82 is formed on a projection 84 on the underside of the socket cover 52, which projection extends away from the surface 42 and is located between the charging socket 24 and the bulge 76 and thus in the region 74 of the socket cover 52 remote from the hinge 56.

[0047] As already described above, the charging socket 24 itself is located below the surface 42 in order not to protrude above the surface 42 and to be able to arrange the socket cover 52 above the charging socket 24, so that normally there would be a risk of water ingress, at least when opening the socket cover 52.

[0048] For this reason, a water drainage plane 86 is formed in the protective cover 40, which completely radially surrounds the outer wall 68 of the charging socket 24 and extends below the hinge 56 and up to the step 58, as well as in the area 74 remote from the hinge 56 up to the recess 78. This water drainage plane 86 is located below the outer wall 68 of the charging socket 24, which delimits an insertion opening 88, and is also arranged below the recess 78. The water drainage plane 86 is thus delimited radially outwards by the radial boundary wall 60 of the opening 48 and radially inwards by the outer wall 68 of the charging socket 24.

[0049] The water drainage plane 86 is designed to slope downwards toward a drainage opening in the boundary wall 60. This drainage opening is located at the lowest point of the water drainage plane 86 and opens into a drainage channel 92, through which water can be drained from the area of ​​the charging socket 24.

[0050] The recess 78 in the protective cover 40 is also designed as a flat surface 94 that slopes diagonally toward the water drainage plane 86, so that water or dirt is also drained away from the recess 78. The width B of the recess essentially corresponds approximately to a cross-sectional width b of a plug-in section 96 of the plug 26, which in the present embodiment is designed as a Type 2 plug. The length L will usually exceed the corresponding cross-sectional length I of the plug-in section 96 of the plug 26. The width B of this recess 78 tapers on both sides in the area facing the charging socket 24, wherein this width must be selected at least such that the plug 26 can be guided against the bulge 76 of the socket cover 52 along the surface 94 of the recess 78.

[0051] The plug 26 has on an outer circumference of its housing 98 in the region of its insertion section 96 a recess 100, into which a bolt 102 of a locking actuator 104 engages when the plug 26 is inserted into the charging socket 24, as in Figure 8 This is to prevent the plug 26 from being accidentally pulled out during the charging process.

[0052] An outwardly facing end 106 of the bulge 76 is now shaped to be received in the recess 100. Accordingly, the depth of the surface 94 of the recess 78 is to be selected such that the distance of the outwardly facing end 106 of the bulge 76 of the socket cover 52 from the surface 94 is at least as great, and preferably only slightly greater, than the distance of an axial end 108 of the insertion portion 96 of the plug 26 from the recess 100 in the plug 26.

[0053] If a user now wishes to charge their vehicle, they are first authenticated, so that the locking pin 80 is extended from the opening 82 on the socket cover 52. The user can then place the axial end 108 of the plug 26 onto the sloping, flat surface 94 of the recess 78 and slide it towards the socket cover 52. Upon reaching the socket cover 52, the recess 100 is pushed onto the outwardly facing end 106 of the bulge 76, which accordingly engages in the recess 100, as shown in Figure 3 By moving the plug 26 upwards, the socket cover 52 is automatically rotated upwards about the hinge 56 by the engagement of the outwardly facing end 106 of the bulge 76, thus releasing the charging socket 24, as shown in Figure 4 can be seen. The Figure 5It can be seen that by further guiding the plug 26 upwards, the outwardly facing end 106 of the bulge 76 is released from the recess 100, so that the projection 84 rests against the housing 98 of the insertion area 96 of the plug 26. The plug 26 can then be guided further downwards along this projection 84 until it, as in Figure 7 is shown, with its insertion area 96 in the insertion opening 88, whereby the contact of the plug 26 to the electrical contacts 50 of the charging socket 24 is simultaneously established. At the start of the charging process, the locking actuator 104 is then actuated by a charging control, the bolt 102 of which then engages in the recess 100 of the plug 26, so that the latter is secured against being pulled out during the charging process, as shown in Figure 8 is evident.

[0054] This provides a curbside charging system that allows plugging in the connector and the necessary lifting of the socket cover to be accomplished solely by guiding the connector. Therefore, manual lifting of the socket cover by the user is not required, thus protecting it from contamination. Nevertheless, water penetration into the socket is also reliably prevented.

[0055] It should be clear that variously constructed curb, kerb, or paving stone units can be used. The curb, kerb, or paving stone devices can also be constructed with or without associated electronics. In addition to the described advantageous design of the lifting mechanism for the socket cover on a permanently installed socket, this can also be advantageously used on pivoting or lifting sockets that are additionally closed by a socket cover.

Claims

1. Curb stone or paving stone charging system for charging an energy store (30) of an electrically driven vehicle (32), comprising a curb stone or paving stone unit (34) with a surface (42) defining a walking or driving surface in the installed state, a charging socket (24) with an insertion opening (88) via which electrical contacts (50) of the charging socket (24) are accessible and which is at least indirectly attached to the curb stone or paving stone unit (34), a plug (26) which can be inserted into the insertion opening (88) of the charging socket (24) for contacting the contacts (50) of the charging socket (24), a socket cover (52) for covering the insertion opening (88) of the charging socket (24) temporally outside the charging process, which is rotatably mounted via a pivot axis (54) to the curb stone or paving stone unit (34), characterized in that the plug (26) has a recess (100) on an outer circumference of its housing (98) and the socket cover (52) has a bulge (76) on its outer circumference opposite the pivot axis (54), the outwardly pointing end (106) of which can be received in the recess (100).

2. Curb stone or paving stone charging system (18) for charging an energy store (30) of an electrically driven vehicle (32) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the outwardly pointing end (106) of the bulge (76) is shaped with respect to its width corresponding to the recess (100).

3. Curb stone or paving stone charging system (18) for charging an energy store (30) of an electrically driven vehicle (32) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the plug (26) can be moved to the closed socket cover (52) such that the bulge (76) of the socket cover (52) at least partially engages in the recess (100) of the plug (26).

4. Curb stone or paving stone charging system (18) for charging an energy store (30) of an electrically driven vehicle (32) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the charging socket (24) has a locking actuator (104) with a bolt (102) which engages in the recess (100) on the plug (26) during the charging process.

5. Curb stone or paving stone charging system (18) for charging an energy store (30) of an electrically driven vehicle (32) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a surface (63) of the socket cover (52) is arranged substantially in the same plane as the surface (42) of the curb stone or paving stone unit (34) defining the walking or driving surface.

6. Curb stone or paving stone charging system (18) for charging an energy store (30) of an electrically driven vehicle (32) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the surface (42) of the curb stone or paving stone unit (34) has a depression (78) on the side of the charging socket (24) facing the bulge (76) of the socket cover (52), the surface (94) of which has a greater distance from the surface (42) outside the depression (78) at least in the region adjacent to the bulge (76) than a point of the bulge (76) furthest away from the surface (42) outside the depression (78).

7. Curb stone or paving stone charging system (18) for charging an energy store (30) of an electrically driven vehicle (32) according to Claim 6, characterized in that the distance of a surface (94) of the depression (78) in the region lying below the bulge (76) of the socket cover (52) of the charging socket (24) from the bulge (76) of the socket cover (52) substantially corresponds to the distance of an axial end (108) of the plug (26) from the recess (100).

8. Curb stone or paving stone charging system (18) for charging an energy store (30) of an electrically driven vehicle (32) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the width (B) of the depression (78) corresponds at least to the cross-sectional width (b) of an insertion section (96) of the plug (26) and the length (L) of the depression (78) in the direction towards the socket cover (52) is at least as great as the cross-sectional length (l) of the insertion section (96) of the plug (26).

9. Curb stone or paving stone charging system (18) for charging an energy store (30) of an electrically driven vehicle (32) according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the surface (94) of the depression (78) forms a straight plane.

10. Curb stone or paving stone charging system (18) for charging an energy store (30) of an electrically driven vehicle (32) according to claim 9, characterized in that the surface (94) of the depression (78) is arranged parallel to the surface (42) of the curb stone or paving stone unit (34) defining the walking or driving surface.

11. Curb stone or paving stone charging system (18) for charging an energy store (30) of an electrically driven vehicle (32) according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the surface (94) of the depression (78) slopes obliquely towards the charging socket (24).

12. Curb stone or paving stone charging system (18) for charging an energy store (30) of an electrically driven vehicle (32) according to claim 11, characterized in that the charging socket (24) is surrounded by a water drainage plane (86) to which the surface (94) of the depression (78) slopes obliquely.

13. Curb stone or paving stone charging system (18) for charging an energy store (30) of an electrically driven vehicle (32) according to one of claims 6 to 12, characterized in that the depression (78) is formed on a protective cover (40) of the curb stone or paving stone unit (34).

14. Curb stone or paving stone charging system (18) for charging an energy store (30) of an electrically driven vehicle (32) according to claim 13, characterized in that the socket cover (52) is attached to the protective cover (40) via a hinge (56).

15. Curb stone or paving stone charging system (18) for charging an energy store (30) of an electrically driven vehicle (32) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a projection (84) is provided at the socket cover (52), which is arranged offset from the bulge (76) in the direction of the hinge (56) and extends from an underside of the socket cover (52) into the depression (78) and which is arranged between the charging socket (24) and the bulge (76) in the closed state of the charging socket (24).

16. Curb stone or paving stone charging system (18) for charging an energy store (30) of an electrically driven vehicle (32) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an opening (82) is provided in the projection (84) of the socket cover (52), in which a locking pin (80) of a locking actuator engages outside the charging process when the socket cover (52) is closed.