Curb charging device for charging an energy store of an electrically driven vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a curb charging device (18) for charging an energy store (30) of an electrically driven vehicle (32), having: a curb element (34) which has, in the interior, a receiving space (36); a charging socket (24) which is arranged on the curb element (34); an energy supply cable (22) which projects into the receiving space (36) in the curb element (34); electronic components (35) which are arranged in the receiving space (36) of the curb element (34) and via which the charging socket (24) is connected to the energy supply cable (22), wherein the electronic components (35) in the receiving space (36) include a contactor (76) and a charging controller (78), which are at least indirectly electrically connected to the charging socket (24), and a lock actuator (82) which is electrically connected to the charging controller (24) in order to lock the charging socket (24). A curb charging device (18) is thus created which has sufficient space to house the electronics and is also suitable for charging the energy store (30) completely autonomously.

Description

[0001] Pierburg GmbH

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] Curbside or kerbside charging device for charging an energy storage device of an electrically powered vehicle

[0004] The invention relates to a curb or kerb charging device for charging an energy storage device of an electrically driven vehicle, comprising a curb or kerb element having a receiving space inside, a charging socket arranged on the curb or kerb element, a power supply cable extending into the receiving space in the curb or kerb element, and electronic components arranged in the receiving space of the curb or kerb element and via which the charging socket is connected to the power supply cable.

[0005] Such curbside charging devices are charging stations integrated into the curb, to which vehicles can be connected via an electrical connection to charge their energy storage units or batteries. This particularly applies to purely electric vehicles, but also to hybrid vehicles. Chargeable vehicles can be passenger cars, trucks, motorcycles, or electric bicycles.

[0006] 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 of the existing parking spaces must be provided with appropriate charging options in order to ensure individual mobility in the future.

[0007] 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.

[0008] For this reason, charging systems have become popular where the charging devices are integrated into the curb or kerb. This has the advantage that no charging stations obstruct the sidewalks and thus spoil the visual appearance. Instead, no additional space is required, simply utilizing existing infrastructure. Modularization allows for high flexibility and retrofit capability. Damage to the charging infrastructure caused by vehicle accidents can also be prevented.

[0009] For example, GB 2597742 A proposes a vehicle charging station in which a central charging station containing the electronic components is connected to several curbs via an underground cable which extends into the curb and to a socket via which the vehicle can be connected for charging.

[0010] A special design of such a curb with electronics for charging a vehicle is known from GB 2 592 186 A. This curb has a modular design and features a base element into which a removable receptacle can be inserted. This receptacle is therefore not fixed. Wireless telecommunications technologies and infrastructures, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or parking sensors, are integrated into this receptacle. In addition, this curb features a connection socket and optional battery packs.

[0011] The problem with existing systems, however, is that they always require a central station and cannot be used for charging independently. This always results in increased space requirements. Furthermore, if the central station fails, the entire surrounding charging infrastructure is no longer available. Furthermore, the scaling benefits of a central system are lost if there are few connections, which may be located at a greater distance from each other. Centralized systems also incur higher costs due to a certain degree of system or functional redundancy between the central and local systems. Furthermore, in some states, relocating some functions to the central point away from the actual charging point is not permitted.

[0012] The challenge, therefore, is to provide a curbside or kerbside charging device for charging the energy storage unit of an electrically powered vehicle that can operate largely autonomously, thus eliminating the need for additional central stations. Additional infrastructure components should be avoided wherever possible.

[0013] This object is achieved by a curb or kerb charging device for charging an energy storage device of an electrically powered vehicle having the features of main claim 1.

[0014] A curb or kerb charging device according to the invention for charging an energy storage device of an electrically powered vehicle has a curb or kerb element, in the interior of which a receiving space is formed, in which electronic components are arranged. Furthermore, a charging socket is arranged on the curb or kerb charging device, which is connected via the electronic components to a power supply cable that projects into the receiving space in the curb or kerb element. The electronic components in the receiving space comprise, in particular, a contactor and a charging controller, which are at least indirectly electrically connected to the charging socket, and a locking actuator, which is electrically connected to the charging controller for locking the charging socket. In this context, at least indirectly is understood to mean an electrical connection, which can also be established via further interposed electronic components.Accordingly, all electronic components required for the charging process are contained in the curb. The charging process is initiated and terminated by switching the contactor. Before the contactor is switched, the locking actuator is activated, ensuring that current can only flow when the charging socket is locked. Operator injuries are prevented by the locking actuator, which locks the plug to the charging socket after it has been inserted and successfully authenticated via pilot contacts, and before the charging process begins. This eliminates any risk to the user from accidentally unplugging the plug during the charging process. Once the charging process is complete, the locking mechanism is released.

[0015] Preferably, the electronic components in the housing include an energy meter, with the contactor connected between the energy meter and the charging socket. The user will thus find both the charging interface and the display for displaying and, if necessary, operating information at the curb or kerb to monitor the charging process. This creates a self-contained curb or kerb charging device, eliminating the need for additional central charging stations with corresponding electronics.

[0016] The storage compartment is preferably lockable with a lid. This lid allows the storage compartment to be opened for maintenance or repair purposes, and if necessary, the electronics in the storage compartment can be replaced or expanded. This lid must, of course, be protected against unauthorized opening.

[0017] Furthermore, the electronic components preferably include an authentication means, in particular an RFID board, which is connected to the charging controller and located in the receiving space or on the cover. This serves to authenticate the user, allowing a specific user to be assigned to each charging process. This can also be done independently via the curbside or kerbside charging device. Other authentication means could be an app or a QR code.

[0018] It is also advantageous if the charging controller is connected to the energy meter via a data interface. Accordingly, the actual amount of energy consumed is always transmitted from the energy meter to the charging controller via the interface, which can be implemented as a Modbus. The charging controller, in turn, can transmit the data, for example, via a data connection to the internet, to a backend of the charging station operator in order to bill the customer accordingly for the amount of energy consumed.

[0019] Preferably, the electronic components in the housing contain a measuring current transformer connected to the charging controller. Using the measuring current transformer, direct currents occurring in the supply line to the contactor can be detected, and the contactor can be switched accordingly via the charging controller. This prevents alternating fault currents from being undetected by the residual current device, which could, in the worst case, lead to personal injury.

[0020] The electronic components in the housing preferably also include a power supply unit that converts the incoming high-voltage voltage into a low-voltage voltage and connects to the charging controller for power supply. The charging controller can therefore be operated at low power via a 12V DC voltage.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the charging socket can be extended and retracted by a DC motor controlled by a motor controller. This prevents unauthorized access to the charging socket, which is only extended after user authentication and retracted after the charging process is complete. Furthermore, access to the charging socket is simplified after authentication. It can be extended either pivotally or linearly. The motor controller can be designed separately or integrated into the charging controller.

[0022] In a further development of the invention, the motor control is connected to the power supply and a position feedback unit and / or a

[0023] The torque monitoring unit is connected to the motor control unit. The DC motor also runs at a low voltage, thus saving energy. The position feedback unit can, for example, consist of a magnetoresistive sensor and a correspondingly arranged permanent magnet on the retractable charging socket, or a sensor unit of the DC motor itself can be used, which is also used to control the charging socket. In this way, both a fully retracted or extended position can be reliably detected, as well as intermediate positions that can be reached during charging, for example, to reduce the risk of tripping or increase stability. The extension occurs, for example, after successful authorization via RFID or online, and the retraction occurs after successful charging, the user logs out, or the plug connection is removed.The torque sensor is used to prevent personal injuries when retracting or extending, particularly due to pinching.

[0024] Furthermore, it is advantageous to connect the power supply cable in the receiving room to a residual current device and / or a miniature circuit breaker, which are connected to the energy meter. The residual current device protects people from electric shock, while the miniature circuit breaker protects the cables and electronic components from damage caused by overheating due to excessive current.

[0025] Preferably, a contact terminal for connecting the power supply cable is arranged in the receiving space, making it easier to connect and disconnect the power cable from the curb's electronics. Furthermore, water penetration is prevented.

[0026] Furthermore, it is advantageous to install a radio antenna in the receiving space or in the lid. This can be a 2G, 3G, 4G, or 5G antenna, or an LTE antenna, and enables external communication, for example, for user authorization via the internet. Data from the charging device, especially the energy meter, can also be transmitted via this antenna, allowing the charging device to be controlled and evaluated externally.

[0027] Preferably, line fuses are arranged in the receiving space. These serve as melt fuses or fine-wire fuses to protect the device and to protect against overcurrents in the electronics and are necessary when the line cross-sections are changed.

[0028] Additionally, one or more sensors for measuring temperature, humidity, and / or detecting a parked vehicle can advantageously be arranged in the receiving space. These components also serve to protect against damage or to identify a vehicle.

[0029] It is also advantageous to have one or more LEDs located in the charging compartment below a viewing window in the lid to indicate the charging status. This makes it easy for the user to visually determine whether the charging device is ready, faulty, or occupied, and whether the charging process is in progress or complete.

[0030] Preferably, the lid has a viewing window through which a display unit of the energy meter is visible, so that the user can see the amount of energy charged and the associated costs at any time without having to use additional devices.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the curb or kerbstone element has a receptacle that defines the receiving space and is closed by the lid. This receptacle can be either permanently anchored in the curb or removable, enabling secure sealing and protection against damage to the electronics, thereby significantly increasing durability.

[0032] Preferably, the curb charging device has a circuit board on which at least two of the electronic components—charging controller, measuring current transformer, contactor, energy meter, power supply, residual current device, circuit breaker, and motor controller—are integrated. Accordingly, in extreme cases, the curb charging device can be operated with just a single circuit board. This reduces the required installation space and costs and simplifies assembly.

[0033] This creates a completely self-sufficient curbside or kerbside charging device for charging the energy storage unit of an electrically powered vehicle, requiring only a connection to a power supply cable. Thanks to the safety precautions, this curbside or kerbside charging device can still be used for charging with a three-phase 400V AC voltage. The charging device is user-friendly and offers high strength and durability, preventing damage to the curbs and kerbs while simultaneously protecting the electronics. The self-sufficient nature of the curb allows it to be installed almost anywhere, as it can use only the existing infrastructure. This avoids loss of space in cities, as well as tripping hazards caused by cables on the sidewalks.

[0034] A non-limiting embodiment of a curb or kerb charging device according to the invention for charging an energy storage device of an electrically powered vehicle is described below with reference to the figures. Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a road with a limiting curb or kerb charging device in plan view.

[0035] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a curb or kerb loading device according to the invention.

[0036] Figure 3 shows a longitudinal section through a curb or kerb charging device according to the invention in a perspective view, wherein the electronic components and the cabling are shown only schematically.

[0037] Figure 4 shows a simplified electrical circuit diagram for connecting the electronic components in the curb.

[0038] Figure 1 shows a sidewalk 10, 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 or kerb charging devices 18 according to the invention, forming a boundary to the street 19. On the side of the sidewalk 10 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 or kerb charging devices 18, into which a plug 26 is inserted. The plug 26 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.

[0039] A curb or kerb loading device 18 according to the invention is shown in Figures 2 and 3. The curb or kerb loading device 18 consists of a curb or kerb element 34, in the interior of which a receiving space 36 is formed, in which electronic components 35 are arranged. The curb or kerb element 34 consists of a base body 37 made of concrete or a plastic and can contain fiber reinforcements, as well as a receiving container 38, in particular made of steel, which delimits the receiving space 36.

[0040] The receiving container 38 is essentially hollow cuboid-shaped and has an open side on its side facing the surface of the sidewalk 10, which is closed by a lid 40.

[0041] The lid 40, which is made in particular of steel, is attached to the base body 37 or to the receiving container 38 and closes an upwardly facing open side of the receiving container 38, in particular with the interposition of a seal 42. In addition, the lid 40 also rests on an upper side of the base body 37 and, viewed in the longitudinal direction, also extends over the ends of the receiving container 38.

[0042] The cover 40 has a rounded impact wall 44, which covers an edge between the upper side of the base body 37 and a side surface of the base body 37 facing the street. The cover 40 can be attached using screws 46. The cover 40 accordingly defines the upper limit of the receiving space 36 formed inside the receiving container 38 and thus inside the curb element 34.

[0043] As can be seen in Figure 2, the cover 40 has an opening 48 and two viewing windows 50, 51. Below the opening 48 is the charging socket 24, which is arranged in the receiving space 36. This charging socket 24 is closed by a charging socket cover 52 and has a lifting or pivoting mechanism 54, via which the charging socket 24 can be extended or pivoted beyond the cover plane, whereby the charging socket cover 52 with the charging socket 24 is either lifted off the cover 40 or pivoted towards the cover 40 to thus release the charging socket 24.

[0044] Below the first viewing window 50, one or more LEDs 56 are located in the receiving space, via which the status of the curbside or kerbside charging device 18 can be read. Here, for example, different colors can indicate readiness for charging, an ongoing charging process, or the completion of a charging process.

[0045] The charging socket 24, as well as an energy meter 58, whose display unit 60 is arranged below the second viewing window 51 to enable the user to read the amount of current charged, forms two of the electronic components 35 for the autonomous charging of the energy storage device 30.

[0046] These electronic components 35 integrated in the curb or kerb charging device 18 and arranged in the receiving space 36 are shown schematically with their interconnection in Figures 3 and 4.

[0047] An opening 66 is formed on a base 64 of the curb element 34, through which the power supply cable 22 can be pulled from below through the curb element 34 into the receiving space 36. The power supply cable 22 can be designed as a three-phase 400V cable and is connected in an electrical connection area 68 in the receiving container 38 to a contact terminal 70, which can be designed as a terminal or connector socket depending on the power supply cable 22 used. The continuing cables 72 lead from the contact terminal 70 to a combined residual current and circuit breaker 74, which can also be designed as individual switches.

[0048] This is connected to the energy meter 58, which is connected to the charging socket 24 via further lines 72 with the interposition of a contactor 76, so that the latter is connected to the power supply cable 22.

[0049] Furthermore, a power supply unit 77 is supplied with power via a line 72 with a line fuse 75. This power supply unit 77 converts the applied high-voltage into a low-voltage, in particular a 12V voltage. The power supply unit 77 supplies power to a charging controller 78, which regulates and controls the charging process. The contactor 76 is switched via this charging controller 78. Shutdown can occur if direct currents occur, depending on the measured values ​​of a measuring current transformer 80. Before the contactor 76 is switched via the charging controller 78, a locking actuator 82 of the charging socket 24 must be switched, the user must be authenticated via an RFID board 84, and the charging socket 24 must be fully extended, which is controlled by a motor controller 86.

[0050] The measuring current transformer 80 is arranged between the contactor 76 and the energy meter 58 and detects any direct currents possibly triggered by a vehicle-mounted charger between the contactor 76 and the energy meter 58, thus preventing alternating fault currents from being detected insufficiently by the residual current device 74, which could lead to personal injury. Accordingly, in this case, the power supply is interrupted via the charging controller 78. The user is first identified by their vehicle, mobile phone, or similar device via the RFID board 84, which is connected to the charging controller 78. This causes the charging controller 78 to activate the motor controller 86, which serves to control a direct current motor 88, which is part of the lifting or pivoting mechanism 54 for extending or pivoting the charging socket 24 and is accordingly also connected to the charging controller 78.Accordingly, the charging socket 24 is extended so that the plug 26 can be plugged in. For this purpose, the DC motor 88, which, like the motor controller 86, is supplied with low voltage via the power supply 77 via lines 72, has a position feedback unit 90, for example in the form of a magnetoresistive sensor interacting with a permanent magnet, via which the position of the lifting mechanism 54 can be detected, so that the extension process is completed upon reaching a defined end position.

[0051] After plugging in the plug 26, the locking actuator 82 is activated before the charging process begins, preventing accidental removal of the plug 26 during the charging process, as this would endanger the user. Only after the locking actuator 82 is activated is the contactor 76 activated via the charging controller 78, allowing the charging process to begin.

[0052] The energy meter 58 has a data interface 92 in the form of a ModBus to the charging controller 78, so that the data from the energy meter 58 is transmitted to the charging controller 78 during the charging process and terminated upon completion of the charging process due to an external command or the detection of a full charge of the energy storage device 30. Accordingly, the charging controller 78 switches the contactor 76 and releases the locking actuator 82 so that the plug 26 can be removed from the charging socket 24. The lifting or pivoting mechanism 54 is then actuated via the DC motor 88, and the charging socket 24 is retracted.

[0053] Additionally, a radio antenna 94 is preferably arranged in the cover 40, via which a connection is established from the user to a server of the operator and thus to the curbside or kerbside charging device 18, allowing the charging process to be started and stopped remotely. The data from the energy meter 58 can also be transmitted to the user via this antenna.

[0054] Furthermore, to increase functional reliability, sensors 96 are arranged in the receiving space 36, for example, to determine temperature and / or humidity. A parking sensor 98 can also determine whether a vehicle 32 is ready for charging and whether the corresponding parking space is accessible.

[0055] A curbside or kerbside charging device constructed in this way hardly changes the streetscape and can be installed even in narrow cities with almost no additional space required. Additional infrastructure measures are not required, as the 400V grid is available and the curbside or kerbside charging device can operate almost completely autonomously. Nevertheless, both safety and communication with the user are fully ensured. With the described curbside charging device for charging an energy storage unit of an electrically powered vehicle, a complete charging infrastructure can be created in a simple way. This charging infrastructure is flexible and modular in design, yet very easy to install. Furthermore, it should be clear that the electronics can be adapted to the respective conditions, in particular to the legal requirements of the respective countries.The connector socket can be equipped with a wide variety of lifting, folding, or pivoting mechanisms. The design of the curbstone elements and the fastening of the cover can also be varied.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS Curb or kerb charging device (18) for charging an energy storage device (30) of an electrically powered vehicle (32) comprising a curb or kerb element (34) which has an internal receiving space (36), a charging socket (24) arranged on the curb or kerb element (34), a power supply cable (22) which projects into the receiving space (36) in the curb or kerb element (34), electronic components (35) which are arranged in the receiving space (36) of the curb or kerb element (34) and via which the charging socket (24) is connected to the power supply cable (22), characterized in that the electronic components (35) in the receiving space (36) include a contactor (76) and a charging control unit (78) which are at least indirectly electrically connected to the charging socket (24) and include a locking actuator (82),which is electrically connected to the charging control unit (24) for locking the charging socket (24). Curb or kerb charging device (18) for charging an energy storage device (30) of an electrically powered vehicle (32) according to claim 1, characterized in that the electronic components (35) in the receiving space (36) include an energy meter (58), wherein the contactor (58) is connected between the energy meter (58) and the charging socket (24). A curb or kerb charging device (18) for charging an energy storage device (30) of an electrically powered vehicle (32) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the receiving space (36) can be closed by means of a cover (40). A curb or kerb charging device (18) for charging an energy storage device (30) of an electrically powered vehicle (32) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the electronic components (35) include an authentication means, in particular an RFID board (84), which is connected to the charging controller (78) and is arranged in the receiving space (36) or on the cover (40). A curb or kerb charging device (18) for charging an energy storage device (30) of an electrically powered vehicle (32) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the charging controller (78) is connected to the energy meter (58) via a data interface (92).Curb or kerb charging device (18) for charging an energy storage device (30) of an electrically powered vehicle (32) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electronic components (35) in the receiving space (36) have a measuring current transformer (80) which is connected to the charging control (78). Curb or kerb charging device (18) for charging an energy storage device (30) of an electrically powered vehicle (32) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electronic components (35) in the receiving space (36) include a power supply unit (77) by which the incoming high-voltage voltage can be converted into a low-voltage voltage and which is connected to the charging controller (78) for the power supply. Curb or kerb charging device (18) for charging an energy storage device (30) of an electrically powered vehicle (32) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the charging socket (24) can be extended and retracted by means of a DC motor (88) which can be controlled via a motor controller (86).Curb or kerb charging device (18) for charging an energy storage device (30) of an electrically powered vehicle (32) according to claim 6, characterized in that the motor control unit (86) is connected to the power supply unit (77) and a position feedback unit (90) and / or a torque monitoring unit (91) is connected to the motor control unit (86). Curb or kerb charging device (18) for charging an energy storage device (30) of an electrically powered vehicle (32) according to claim 7, characterized in that. The power supply cable (22) is connected in the receiving space (36) to a residual current circuit breaker and / or a miniature circuit breaker (74), which are connected to the energy meter (58). Curb or curb charging device (18) for charging an energy storage device (30) of an electrically powered vehicle (32) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a contact connection (70) for connecting the power supply cable (22) is arranged in the receiving space (36). Curb or curb charging device (18) for charging an energy storage device (30) of an electrically powered vehicle (32) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a radio antenna (94) is arranged in the receiving space (36) or in the cover (40).Curb or kerb charging device (18) for charging an energy storage device (30) of an electrically powered vehicle (32) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that circuit fuses (75) are arranged in the receiving space (36). Curb or kerb charging device (18) for charging an energy storage device (30) of an electrically powered vehicle (32) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one or more sensors (96) for determining the temperature or humidity and / or a. Parking sensor (98) for detecting a parked vehicle (32) or are arranged. Curb or curb charging device (18) for charging an energy storage device (30) of an electrically powered vehicle (32) according to one of claims 3 to 14, characterized in that one or more LEDs (56) for detecting the charging status are arranged in the receiving chamber (36) under a viewing window (50) in the cover (40). Curb or curb charging device (18) for charging an energy storage device (30) of an electrically powered vehicle (32) according to one of claims 3 to 15, characterized in that the cover (40) has a viewing window (51) through which a display unit (60) of the energy meter (58) is visible.Curb or kerb charging device (18) for charging an energy storage device (30) of an electrically powered vehicle (32) according to any one of claims 3 to 16, characterized in that the curb or kerb element (34) has a receiving container (38) that defines the receiving space (36) and is closed by the cover (40). Curb or kerb charging device (18) for charging an energy storage device (30) of an electrically powered vehicle (32) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that. The curb or kerb charging device has a circuit board on which at least two of the electronic components charging control (78), measuring current transformer (80), contactor (76), energy meter (58), power supply (77), residual current circuit breaker, miniature circuit breaker (74) and motor control (86) are integrated.

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