Power module for a charging station for electric vehicles, and charging station

Abstract

The invention relates to a power module (10) for a charging station (50) for electric vehicles, comprising a residual current protective device (11), a measuring device (13) for measuring an electrical variable of a charging current conducted through the power module (10), and a switching element (14) for disconnecting the charging current, which form a power section (15) connected electrically in series. The power module (10) comprises a housing (16) which surrounds the power section (15) and comprises an upper housing part (17) and a lower housing part (18). Arranged on a front wall (19) of the upper housing part (17) is, in a region covering the residual current protective device (11), a continuous first recess (20) having a cover (21) which closes the first recess (20) and, in a region covering the measuring device (13), a continuous second recess (22) which is closed by way of a viewing window (23), wherein a display (24) of the measuring device (13) is visible from the outside via the viewing window (23). The invention also relates to a charging station having one or more power modules of this type.

Description

[0001] Designation: Power module for an electric vehicle charging station and charging station

[0002] Description

[0003] The invention relates to a power module for a charging station for electric vehicles and a charging station with at least one such power module.

[0004] Charging stations are understood to mean charging stations for charging electric cars, for example charging columns or wall boxes.

[0005] The assembly, installation, maintenance, and repair of charging stations are complex and therefore time-consuming and costly. Furthermore, such work can usually only be performed by qualified personnel.

[0006] From DE 10 2018 112 958 A1, it is known to equip a charging column or charging station with a docking station. The docking station is inserted into a receptacle of the charging column and comprises a housing with a cable inlet, a terminal block for a power cable, a receptacle for an energy meter, and a power connection for a charging unit located outside the docking station.

[0007] From DE 10 2018 112 957 A a charging unit for electric vehicles comprising a power module is known.

[0008] DE 10 2018 112 954 A1 discloses a charging unit for electric vehicles, comprising a cover assembly and a tray assembly, wherein the tray assembly has at least one power module. DE 10 2018 126 949 A1 discloses a charging station comprising a charging column with a receptacle for a charging device, wherein the charging device comprises a docking station coupled to a charging unit.

[0009] From DE 10 2018 126 939 A1 a charging station is known comprising a charging unit and a docking station coupled to the charging unit.

[0010] From DE 10 2018 126 912 A1 a charging station comprising a charging column with a receptacle and a charging device arranged in the receptacle is known.

[0011] A charging box unit for a charging station is known from DE 10 2017 115 098 Al.

[0012] From DE 10 2018 126 947 A1 a charging station comprising a charging column with a charging column housing is known, wherein a receptacle for receiving a charging device with a charging device housing is arranged in the charging column housing.

[0013] From EP 3 702 200 A2 a supply station for providing electrical energy for non-stationary equipment with a supply point module is known.

[0014] Further charging devices are known from WO 2020 201 302 Al, DE 10 2020 119 890 Al, DE 10 2020 210 780 Al, WO 2023 007 031 Al, DE 10 2018 121 489 Al and WO 2022 069 170 Al.

[0015] It is an object of the invention to provide a new power module for a charging station for electric vehicles and a charging station with at least one such power module, in particular a power module and an associated charging station, which, compared to conventional, known power modules and charging stations, are simple, cost-effective and quick to assemble and / or install and / or maintain and / or repair and / or replace and preferably enable at least some of the aforementioned measures even without the involvement of specialists.

[0016] This object is achieved with respect to the power module by a power module having the features of claim 1 and with respect to the charging station by a charging station having the features of claim 26. Advantageous further developments are specified in the respective dependent claims.

[0017] The power module according to the invention for a charging station for electric vehicles comprises a residual current device, in particular designed to detect alternating residual currents and / or pulsating direct residual currents and / or smooth direct residual currents and to switch off when corresponding residual currents are detected and / or when predetermined limit values ​​are exceeded by the detected residual currents.

[0018] Furthermore, the power module comprises a measuring device, in particular an electrical meter, for measuring an electrical quantity of a charging current conducted through the power module, in particular an electrical energy and / or an electrical power and / or an electrical current and / or an electrical voltage, preferably an energy meter.

[0019] Furthermore, the power module comprises a switching element for switching off the charging current, in particular a contactor or relay.

[0020] The residual current device, the measuring device, and the switching element are electrically connected to one another, such that at least the residual current device, the measuring device, and the switching element form a power train electrically connected in series. The power module according to the invention further comprises a housing that encloses the power train, wherein the housing has a length in a longitudinal direction that is greater than a width of the housing in a lateral direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The housing in turn comprises an upper housing part and a lower housing part, wherein the upper housing part and the lower housing part are arranged one above the other in a vertical direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and to the lateral direction, in such a way that the lower housing part, when installed in the charging station, is received in the charging station and a front wall of the upper housing part forms a region of the outside of the charging station.

[0021] The invention provides that the residual current device, the measuring device and the switching element are mounted directly or indirectly in corresponding receptacles in the lower part of the housing and covered by the upper part of the housing.

[0022] Here, a continuous first recess is arranged on the front wall of the housing upper part in an area covering the residual current device. The recess is closed by a cover, in particular a hinged cover, which closes the first recess. The residual current device is accessible through the first recess when the cover is open or removed. The cover is, in particular, lockable, ensuring that it can only be opened by an authorized user.

[0023] Furthermore, a continuous second recess is arranged on the front wall of the upper part of the housing in an area covering the measuring device, which recess is closed with a viewing window, wherein a display of the measuring device is visible from the outside via the viewing window.

[0024] The cover above the residual current device has the advantage that only this cover needs to be opened to test the residual current device. The entire interior of the charging station, in which the power module is installed, can remain closed and is therefore inaccessible to the person performing the test tripping of the residual current device. This eliminates the need for a protective cover inside the charging station. This allows the test tripping of the residual current device to be performed even by non-specialist personnel.

[0025] Similar advantages arise from the viewing window associated with the meter. The meter's display can be read without opening the charging station, eliminating the need for any interior contact protection measures and allowing even non-specialist personnel to read the meter.

[0026] For example, the power train of the power module can be constructed as follows: An electrical input is followed first by the residual current device, then by the measuring device and then by the switching element and finally by a power connection, for example a charging socket or a connection element for a charging cable that is to be permanently installed or installed directly or indirectly via further intermediate cables.

[0027] A further development provides that the power module does not have an electronic control unit of the charging station and no communication unit for communication with a user of the charging station.

[0028] The power module preferably does not represent a complete charging station; it does not include all the components required for a charging station, for example, the charging station's electronic control unit and the communication unit for communicating with a charging station user. These components are located separately from the power module in the charging station. This makes the power module a flexibly deployable module that only comprises the power train and can provide this in various types of charging stations. This can be a charging station with just one power module. However, it can also be a charging station with two or more power modules.If there are two or more power modules in a charging station, the components arranged in the charging station in addition to the power modules, for example the control unit and / or communication unit, can be used jointly by the two or more power modules; they simply have to be present.

[0029] The charging station for which the power module is intended can have at least one insertion slot into which the power module can be inserted, and at least one interior space spatially separated from the insertion slot(s). The electronic control unit of the charging station and the communication unit for communicating with a user of the charging station can be arranged in the interior space(s).

[0030] It can also be provided that the charging station for which the power module is intended has a slot on each of the two opposite vertical narrow sides of the charging station, into which the power module can be inserted. A sealed interior space can be formed between the two slots, in which an electronic control unit of the charging station and a communication unit for communication with a user of the charging station are arranged.

[0031] The residual current device can be a Type B residual current device or a Type A residual current device with integrated DC residual current detection and disconnection. In these cases, the residual current device is designed to detect AC residual currents and pulsating and smooth DC residual currents, and to disconnect when corresponding residual currents are detected.

[0032] The residual current device can also be a Type A residual current device, which is designed only to detect AC residual currents and pulsating DC residual currents, and to disconnect when such residual currents are detected. Smooth DC residual currents are not detected by the residual current device in this case. Especially in this case, it is therefore advisable to additionally incorporate a device for detecting smooth DC residual currents into the power module, for example, an RDC-MD.

[0033] Accordingly, a further development of the invention provides that the power module additionally comprises a device for detecting smooth DC residual currents, which is electrically connected to the residual current device and the measuring device and the switching element and is thus integrated into the power train.

[0034] If this device is also provided for detecting smooth DC residual currents, it can be arranged, for example, in the power line between the residual current device and the measuring device or between the measuring device and the switching element or between the switching element and the power connection.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the power train has a first terminal block, in particular a terminal block, for connecting a charging current supply line as the electrical input for the charging current. The first terminal block can be formed or attached directly to the residual current device or to the housing base with an electrical connection to the residual current device. The housing base can have a through-opening for the charging current supply line.

[0036] A further development provides that the power module comprises a charging socket for a charging plug as a power connection for a charging cable, which is electrically connected to the switching element and thus electrically integrated into the power train. The charging socket is expediently located at the end of the power train. For example, it is electrically connected to the switching element via electrical lines. The charging plug with the charging cable makes electrical contact with the charging socket when plugged in.

[0037] The power module can also comprise a non-electrically connected charging plug receptacle for parking a charging plug of the charging cable, wherein the charging plug, in the parked state, is not electrically connected to the residual current device, the measuring device, and the switching element and is thus not electrically integrated into the power train. In this case, the power module can comprise, as a power connection for a charging cable, a second connection block, in particular a terminal block, for the direct or indirect connection of a charging cable for electric vehicles, which is electrically connected to the switching element and is thus electrically integrated into the power train. The second connection block is expediently arranged at the end of the power train. For example, it is arranged via electrical lines directly on the switching element or on the lower housing part with an electrical connection to the switching element.The lower part of the housing can have a through-hole for the charging cable.

[0038] The aforementioned charging socket or the aforementioned charging plug receptacle can be attached directly or indirectly via a support device to the lower housing part and covered by the upper housing part, wherein a continuous third recess is formed on the front wall of the upper housing part in an area covering the charging socket or the charging plug receptacle, through which the charging socket or the charging plug receptacle is accessible from the outside for a charging plug. Furthermore, an openable and closable cover flap can be formed or attached to an outer side of the front wall of the upper housing part in the area of ​​the third recess towards the charging socket or the charging plug receptacle, wherein the charging socket or the charging plug receptacle is accessible through the third recess when the cover flap is open.

[0039] One embodiment of the invention provides that the residual current device and / or the measuring device and / or the switching element are fastened to the housing base by means of clips formed or attached to the housing base and / or by means of top-hat rails.

[0040] Fastening using the aforementioned clips can also be provided for the charging socket or charging plug receptacle, or for their support device, and / or for electrical cables for the electrical connection and / or for the electrical connection of the various components. In one embodiment, the cover associated with the residual current device has a lock, in particular a lever lock, by means of which the cover can be locked in a closed state. Opening the cover in the closed state is not possible.

[0041] The viewing window associated with the measuring device can be glued to the front wall of the upper part of the housing.

[0042] The upper and lower parts of the housing can be connected or connectable to each other via a detachable snap connection.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the upper housing part and the lower housing part are or can only be connected to each other in a relative position.

[0044] The housing, in particular the upper part of the housing, can have recesses for locking, in particular for tamper-proof locking, the power module in the charging station.

[0045] In one embodiment of the invention, the housing, in particular the upper housing part and / or lower housing part, has projections and / or recesses, in particular guides, for the clear positioning of the power module in a slot provided for this purpose in the charging station.

[0046] The housing, in particular the upper housing part, preferably a side wall of the upper housing part, can form or have a circumferential first seal for sealing against a slot of the charging station.

[0047] A further development provides that the front wall of the upper housing part is designed to be protected against jets and / or splash water when closed, in particular the viewing window assigned to the measuring device is sealed to the front wall and / or the cover assigned to the residual current device is sealed by means of a seal when closed and / or the charging socket or charging plug receptacle is sealingly closed by means of a seal on an inner side of the front wall of the upper housing part and / or the cover flap assigned to the charging socket or charging plug receptacle is sealingly closed by means of a seal when closed.

[0048] The housing, particularly the lower housing section, can have heat dissipation vents for heat dissipation, which, when installed in the charging station, are concealed from the outside by the overall housing of the charging station. Despite these heat dissipation vents in the power module, a charging station in which this power module is integrated can meet the IP55 protection standard, since the heat dissipation vents in the power module are concealed from the outside by the overall housing of the charging station. The resulting labyrinth prevents people from reaching inside, as well as the ingress of dust, jets, or splash water.

[0049] The residual current device, the measuring device, and the switching element can be arranged along the longitudinal direction of the housing. Other components, such as a charging socket, can also be arranged along the longitudinal direction of the housing together with the residual current device, the measuring device, and the switching element. If the residual current device and / or the measuring device and / or the switching element are each a DIN rail module, it can be provided that the DIN rail assigned to the respective DIN rail module is arranged transversely to the longitudinal direction of the housing on the housing base.

[0050] The housing of the power module can be mirror-symmetrical, specifically mirrored across a longitudinal center plane. This enables the power module to be used on both sides of a charging station, particularly in charging stations with two opposing insertion slots for power modules, preferably on the vertical narrow sides of the charging station. The power modules according to the invention can be used in a variety of ways; only a corresponding insertion slot needs to be provided. For example, the power modules can be used in housings for one or two charging points, for example, a single or twin housing of a wallbox or a charging station, but also in other electrically connected devices such as lampposts, in order to configure them as a charging station.

[0051] The charging station according to the invention comprises one or two or more of the power modules according to the invention. In particular, the charging station comprises one or two or more slots for accommodating the power module(s).

[0052] In one embodiment, the charging station has at least one interior space that is spatially separate from the insertion slot(s). An electronic control unit for the charging station and a communication unit for communicating with a user of the charging station, in particular an RFID unit and / or an LED unit and / or a combined RFID / LED unit, are arranged in the interior space(s). Thus, it can be provided that the power module(s) do not have an electronic control unit for the charging station and no communication unit for communicating with a user of the charging station. In particular, each power module merely provides the power train; in the case of two or more power modules, two or more power trains are provided accordingly.If there are two or more power modules in a charging station, the components arranged in the charging station in addition to the power modules, for example the control unit and / or communication unit, can be used jointly by the two or more power modules; they simply have to be present.

[0053] The electronic control unit and / or the communication unit can be designed as circuit boards with a fold-out circuit board holder. This allows for better accessibility of the units, for example, during installation or servicing, compared to non-fold-out circuit boards. According to one embodiment, the charging station can comprise an acoustic unit that can be controlled by the control unit and acoustically signals one or more predetermined states of the charging station, in particular of the communication unit.

[0054] In one embodiment, the charging station has a door that can be opened vertically around a horizontal axis so that the interior is accessible when the door is open.

[0055] Furthermore, it can be provided that at least one cover associated with the residual current device of the power module or one of the power modules has a lock by means of which the cover can be locked in a closed state, whereby opening of the cover is not possible in the closed state. The lock is arranged in such a way, and the cover and the door are designed in such a way that the lock also locks the closed door, whereby opening of the door is not possible when the lock is closed.

[0056] The interior of the charging station can be sealed to the outside by one or more secondary seals. These secondary seals are concealed and / or drawn inward, making them inaccessible from the outside when the charging station is closed. This concealed and / or drawn-in sealing contour is more robust against external impacts in the event of vandalism than a sealing contour along the edge of the housing. This allows, for example, the IK10 impact resistance rating to be achieved with plastic, not just with sheet metal or steel as the housing material.

[0057] One embodiment provides that the charging station has two power modules according to the invention, in particular exactly two power modules according to the invention. Specifically, the charging station has a slot on each of the two opposite vertical narrow sides, into each of which one of the two power modules is inserted. In particular, the two power modules are identically designed, meaning that each power module can be inserted into either of the two slots on the narrow sides; no power modules adapted to the respective narrow side are required.

[0058] When using DIN rail modules, the DIN rails in the power modules are aligned perpendicular to the rear wall of the charging station after installation in the charging station, and the DIN rail modules extend parallel to the rear wall of the charging station away from the DIN rails. Since this extension of the DIN rail modules away from the DIN rails is generally greater than the lateral extension of the DIN rail modules parallel to the DIN rails, this installation of the power modules via the narrow sides allows for a smaller distance between the front and rear of the charging station compared to installation from the front, thus allowing for a flatter design of the charging station, for example, a wallbox or charging column.

[0059] In one embodiment, the interior space, in particular as a sealed interior space, is formed between the two insertion slots, in which the electronic control unit of the charging station and the communication unit for communication with a user of the charging station, in particular an RFID unit and / or an LED unit and / or a combined RFID / LED unit, are arranged.

[0060] One embodiment provides that the charging station has a door on a vertical front side, which connects the two vertical narrow sides. This door can be opened vertically around a horizontal axis, so that the interior is accessible when the door is open. The door can be a support component with a front component. The front component, in turn, can be an initially transparent or translucent component, particularly made of plastic, which can be individually designed by printing on the back. The front of this front component is preferably scratch-resistant.

[0061] A further development provides that both covers, each assigned to the residual current device of one of the power modules, each have a lock, in particular a lever lock, by means of which the respective cover can be locked in a closed state, wherein opening of the cover is not possible in the closed state. Each of the two locks is arranged in such a way, and the covers and the door are designed in such a way that each of the locks additionally locks the closed door, wherein opening of the door is already impossible when the lock is closed. If one of the covers of the two power modules is already closed, opening of the door is therefore not possible.

[0062] Each power module of the charging station in each of the aforementioned embodiments can be locked in the charging station, in particular locked in a tamper-proof manner, with one or two or more, preferably at least two, locking pins, in particular sealable and / or sealable locking pins, which interact with corresponding recesses in the power module.

[0063] One embodiment of the invention provides that the charging station has a display device comprising a screen and a lighting device for backlighting the screen. The screen is arranged so that it is visible to a user of the charging station, the screen is ring-shaped, and the screen is transparent or translucent to light, at least in the region of the lighting device. The screen is arranged and / or formed, for example, on a vertical front side, in particular on a door of the charging station.

[0064] For example, the screen can be a transparent or translucent plastic part. In particular, the screen is designed as a light guide to transmit light from the lighting device.

[0065] The lighting device can comprise a plurality of adjustable light sources, in particular LEDs, wherein the light sources are arranged in a ring-like manner behind the screen, and wherein the light sources can be adjusted and / or controlled by a control unit with regard to their color and / or luminosity and / or their switching state. The control device can be configured to control all light sources under certain predetermined operating states of the charging station such that the totality of all light sources signals the operating state of the charging station.

[0066] If there are two power modules in the charging station, the control device can be configured to control the light sources assigned to a first half of the screen in such a way that they signal an operating state of one of the power modules, and to control the light sources assigned to a second half of the screen in such a way that they signal an operating state of the other power module, given certain predetermined operating states of the two power modules of the charging station.

[0067] The charging station according to the invention can, for example, be a wallbox with one or two charging points.

[0068] The charging station according to the invention can be a wall box with a wall mount, wherein the charging station is attached or attachable to the wall mount with its rear side. The wall mount is made of metal or plastic, for example. The wall mount has one or more hooks, in particular two hooks, which interact with corresponding recesses on the rear side of the charging station such that the charging station can be suspended from the hooks. After being suspended from the hooks, the charging station can be firmly connected to the wall mount, for example via screw connections.

[0069] This advanced design has the advantage that the wallbox, especially a wallbox with one or two charging points, can be installed by a single person. First, the wall bracket is screwed to the wall where the wallbox is to be mounted. Then, the wallbox is hung on the wall bracket using the hook(s) on the wall bracket and the corresponding recess(es) in the wallbox. Finally, the wallbox is secured to the wall bracket and / or the wall with screws, for example, four screws. In this case, the wall bracket serves as an installation aid for attaching the wallbox to the wall.

[0070] In one embodiment, the charging station has a housing which forms or has a cable suspension for a charging cable and / or one or more storage compartments for accessories and / or tools.

[0071] The invention will be explained in more detail below with regard to further features and advantages based on the description of an exemplary embodiment and with reference to the attached schematic drawing.

[0072] It shows

[0073] FIG 1 shows an embodiment of a power module according to the invention in a perspective view,

[0074] FIG 2 shows a further perspective view of the power module according to FIG 1,

[0075] FIG 3 a plan view of a visible side of the power module according to

[0076] FIG 1,

[0077] FIG 4 is a side view of the power module according to FIG 1,

[0078] FIG 5 shows another side view of the power module according to FIG 1,

[0079] FIG 6 a housing lower part of the power module according to FIG 1 in a

[0080] perspective view,

[0081] FIG 7 the housing base according to FIG 6 with installed components of the power train,

[0082] FIG 8 shows a carrier device for a charging socket of the power module according to FIG 1 in a perspective view, FIG 9 shows a housing upper part of the power module according to FIG 1 in a perspective view,

[0083] FIG 10 shows a perspective view of a viewing window associated with a measuring device of the power module according to FIG 1,

[0084] FIG 11 shows a perspective view of a hinged cover associated with the residual current device of the power module according to FIG 1,

[0085] FIG 12 a lock for the hinged lid according to FIG 11,

[0086] FIG 13 shows a charging plug receptacle of an embodiment of a power module according to the invention,

[0087] FIG 14 a mounting frame for the charging plug holder according to FIG 13,

[0088] FIG 15 a cover frame for the mounting frame according to FIG 14,

[0089] FIG 16 shows a first embodiment of a charging station according to the invention with power modules according to FIG 1, which have a charging socket (socket variant), in a perspective view,

[0090] FIG 17 shows a second embodiment of a charging station according to the invention with power modules having the charging plug receptacle according to FIG 13 and the fastening frame according to FIG 14 with the cover frame according to FIG 15 (cable variant), in a perspective view,

[0091] FIG 18 the charging station according to FIG 16 in a front view, FIG 19 the charging station according to FIG 16 in a side view

[0092] FIG 20 the charging station according to FIG 17 in a front view

[0093] FIG 21 the charging station according to FIG 17 in a side view

[0094] FIG 22 the charging station according to FIG 16 in a partially exploded view

[0095] position

[0096] FIG 23a the charging station according to FIG 16 without door, with a view into the interior

[0097] FIG 23b shows the open charging station shown in FIG 23a, with some interior components removed to reveal further interior components,

[0098] FIG 24 shows a section through the charging station according to FIG 16 with a view into the interior of the power modules,

[0099] FIG 25a the charging station according to FIG 17 without door, with a view into the interior,

[0100] FIG 25b shows the open charging station shown in FIG 25a, with some interior components removed to reveal further interior components,

[0101] FIG 26 shows a section through the charging station according to FIG 17 with a view into the interior of the power modules,

[0102] FIG 27 shows a housing component of the charging stations according to FIG 16 and FIG 17 in a perspective view, FIG 28 shows a first embodiment of a fold-out circuit board holder for the housing component according to FIG 27,

[0103] FIG 29 shows a second embodiment of a fold-out circuit board holder for the housing component according to FIG 27,

[0104] FIG 30 shows a decorative panel for a door for the front of the charging stations according to FIG 16 and FIG 17 in a perspective view on their visible side (front side),

[0105] FIG 31a a door without the decorative panel shown in FIG 30 in a perspective view of its front side,

[0106] FIG 31b the back of the door according to FIG 31a,

[0107] FIG 32a shows a screen of a lighting device in a perspective view of its front side,

[0108] FIG 32b the back of the screen,

[0109] FIG 33 a wall mount of the charging stations according to FIG 16 and FIG 17 in a perspective view,

[0110] FIG 34 the wall bracket according to FIG 33 when mounted on a wall,

[0111] FIG 35 shows a locking pin for locking a power module according to FIG 1 in a charging station according to FIG 16 and FIG 17,

[0112] FIG 36 shows a contact protection cover in the interior of the charging station according to FIG 16 and FIG 17, FIG 37 shows a blind plug for closing charging cable feedthroughs in the housing component of the charging station according to FIG 16 and FIG 17,

[0113] FIG 38 shows a third embodiment of a charging station according to the invention with only one power module according to FIG 1, which has a charging socket (socket variant), in a perspective view,

[0114] FIG 39 the charging station according to FIG 38 in a side view on the right side,

[0115] FIG 40 the charging station according to FIG 38 in a view of the front, and

[0116] FIG 41 the charging station according to FIG 38 in a side view to the left side.

[0117] FIGS. 1 to 12 show an exemplary embodiment of a power module 10 according to the invention and some of its individual components. The power module 10 is intended for a charging station 50 for electric vehicles, as shown, for example, in FIGS. 16 to 41. The power module 10 comprises a residual current device 11, a measuring device 13, a switching element 14, in particular a contactor or relay, and a charging socket 26, which are electrically connected to one another and form a power train 15 connected electrically in series. In addition, the power module 10 can comprise a device 12 for detecting smooth DC residual currents, which is electrically connected to the residual current device 11, the measuring device 13, and the switching element 14 and is thus integrated into the power train 15. For example, this device 12 for detecting smooth residual currents can be assigned directly to the residual current device 11.This is schematically indicated by a dashed line in FIG. 7. The power module 10 has an elongated housing 16 that encloses the power train 15. "Elongated" here means that the housing 16 has a length in a longitudinal direction that is greater than a width of the housing 16 in a lateral direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0118] The housing 16 comprises an upper housing part 17 and a lower housing part 18, which are arranged one above the other in a vertical direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction, such that the lower housing part 18, when installed in the charging station 50, is received in the charging station 50 and a front wall 19 of the upper housing part 17 forms a region of the outside of the charging station 50. The residual current device 11, the measuring device 13, and the switching element 14 are formed from DIN rail modules. Accordingly, DIN rails 33, which are arranged in the lower housing part 18, form a receptacle for these modules in the lower housing part 18. Clips 32 (see FIG. 6) can also be used additionally, for example, to attach the DIN rails 33 to the lower housing part 18. The charging socket 26 is attached to the lower housing part 18 via a support device 29 attached to the lower housing part.Thus, residual current device 11, measuring device 13, switching element 14, and charging socket 26 are mounted on the lower housing part 18 and are covered by the upper housing part 17. The upper housing part 17 and the lower housing part 18 are connected or connectable to one another via a detachable snap connection 35.

[0119] On the front wall 19 of the upper housing section 17, in an area covering the residual current device 11, there is a continuous first recess 20 with a cover 21, here a hinged cover, closing the first recess 20. When the cover 21 is open, the residual current device 11 is accessible from the outside through the first recess 20; when the cover 21 is closed, the first recess 20 is closed and the residual current device 11 is accordingly inaccessible. The cover 21 has a lock 34, here a lever lock, by means of which the cover 21 can be locked in a closed state. When the cover 21 is closed, it is not possible to open it.

[0120] On the front wall 19 of the upper housing part 17, in an area covering the measuring device 13, a continuous second recess 22 is arranged, which is closed by a viewing window 23. A display 24 of the measuring device 13 is visible from the outside through the viewing window 23. The viewing window 23 can be made of a transparent plastic. Furthermore, only a part of the viewing window 23 can be transparent; the transparent part can, for example, be surrounded by an opaque edge like a frame. This edge can be produced, for example, by printing on the back. The viewing window 23 can be glued to the front wall 19 of the upper housing part 17 and, for this purpose, can have, for example, an adhesive film on the back that is punched out in the transparent part.

[0121] On the front wall 19 of the upper housing part 17, in an area covering the charging socket 26, a continuous third recess 30 is formed, through which the charging socket 26 is accessible from the outside for a charging plug. An openable and closable cover flap 31 is formed or attached on an outer side of the front wall 19 of the upper housing part 17 in the area of ​​the third recess 30. When the cover flap 31 is open, the charging socket 26 is accessible through the third recess 30. When the cover cap 31 is closed, the recess 30 is closed, and thus the charging socket 26 is not accessible.

[0122] The residual current device 11 forms a first terminal block 25 for connecting a charging current supply line. This first terminal block 25 thus forms the electrical input for the charging current into the power train 15. A first through-opening 41 for the charging current supply line is formed in the housing base 18.

[0123] The upper housing part 17 has recesses 36 for locking, in particular for tamper-proof locking, the power module 10 in the charging station 50. These recesses 36 interact with corresponding locking pins 53 in the charging station 50. Such a locking pin 53 is shown as an example in FIG. 35.

[0124] Furthermore, the upper housing part 17 has projections 37 for the clear positioning of the power module 10 in a slot 51 of the charging station 50 provided for this purpose, which has corresponding recesses 38 for this purpose (see FIG. 27).

[0125] Furthermore, the upper housing part 17 has a circumferential first seal 39 on its side wall for sealing against a slot 51 of the charging station 50.

[0126] The upper housing part 17 comprises, for example, one or more or all of the following components: sealing contour for a slot in the charging station, locked access to the test button and toggle lever of the residual current device, which can only be opened using a suitable key for the lock, receiving contour for mounting a viewing window with a view of the display of the measuring device, drilling pattern for a charging socket to be attached and / or a cover cap to be attached for the charging socket and / or for a charging plug receptacle to be attached, so that the power module can be designed for both a plug variant and a cable variant of the charging station, releasable snap connection to the lower housing part.

[0127] The entire front wall 19 of the upper housing section 17 is designed to be jet and / or splash-proof when closed. For this purpose, the viewing window 23 assigned to the measuring device 13 is sealed by adhesive bonding to the front wall 19, the cover 21 assigned to the residual current device 11 is sealed by a seal when closed, and the charging socket 26 is sealed by a seal against an inner side of the front wall 19 of the upper housing section 17, and the cover flap 31 assigned to the charging socket 26 is sealed by a seal when closed. The lower housing section 18 has heat dissipation openings 40 for dissipating heat from the interior of the power module 10. When installed in the charging station 50, these heat dissipation openings 40 are concealed from the outside by the overall housing of the charging station, so that the charging station 50 still meets the IP55 protection standard.

[0128] The lower housing part 18 comprises, for example, one or more or all of the following components: holding contour for the residual current device, holding contour for metal top-hat rails, snapped under the measuring device, holding contour for the support device of the charging socket, through-opening for the passage of the primary-side load lines to a terminal block, integrated detachable snap connection to the upper housing part, projections and / or recesses for clear positioning to the upper housing part and / or to the insertion slot of a charging station, recesses for locking in the charging station.

[0129] The housing 16 is designed with mirror symmetry, mirrored along a longitudinal center plane. This allows the power module 10 to be used on both sides in a charging station 50, particularly in charging stations with two opposing slots 51 for power modules 10, as shown in FIGS. 16 to 37.

[0130] FIGS. 13 to 15 show components for an alternative embodiment of the power module 10 shown in FIGS. 1 to 12. Instead of the charging socket, a non-electrically connected charging plug receptacle 27 is now provided for parking a charging plug of the charging cable. In the parked state, the charging plug is not electrically connected to the residual current device 11, the measuring device 13, and the switching element 14, and is thus not electrically integrated into the power train 15. FIG. 13 shows the actual charging plug receptacle 27, FIG. 14 shows a mounting frame 27a, and FIG. 15 shows a cover frame 27b for the charging plug receptacle 27.

[0131] If a non-electrically connected charging plug receptacle 27 is provided, the power module 10 has a second connection block 28 (for example a terminal block), indicated by a dashed line in FIG. 7, as a power connection for a charging cable, for the direct or indirect connection of a charging cable for electric vehicles, which is electrically connected to the residual current device 11 and the measuring device 13 and the switching element 14 and is thus electrically integrated into the power train 15. The second connection block 28 is expediently arranged at the end of the power train 15. For example, it is arranged via electrical lines directly on the switching element 14 or on the lower housing part 18 with an electrical connection to the switching element 14. The lower housing part 18 has a second through-opening 42 for the feeding through of the charging cable, which is indicated by a dashed line in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7.

[0132] FIGS. 16 to 37 show various exemplary embodiments of a charging station 50 according to the invention. Each of these charging stations 50 has two insertion slots 51 for receiving the power modules 10 shown in FIGS. 1 to 15. These insertion slots 51 are formed on two opposite vertical narrow sides 52 of the charging station 50, into each of which one of the power modules 10 is inserted. The two inserted power modules 10 are identically designed, i.e., each power module 10 can be inserted into each of the two insertion slots 51 on the narrow sides 52; no power modules 10 adapted to the respective narrow side 52 are required.

[0133] Due to the installation of the power modules 10 on the narrow sides 52 and the orientation of the power modules 10 and the components contained therein in the charging station 50, a smaller distance between the front and rear of the charging station 50 and thus a flatter construction of the charging station 50 is possible compared to installation from the front.

[0134] A sealed interior space 54 is formed between the two insertion slots 51 (see FIG. 23a, FIG. 27), in which an electronic control unit 55 of the charging station 50, a communication unit 56 for communication with a user of the charging station 50, for example an RFID unit or a combined RFID / LED unit, and an acoustic unit 59 controllable by the control unit 55 are arranged (see FIG. 23a). The electronic control unit 55 and the communication unit 56 and, if applicable, also the acoustic unit 59 are designed as circuit boards with a fold-out circuit board holder 57, 58; two embodiments of this fold-out circuit board holder 57, 58 are shown in FIG. 28 and FIG. 29. This enables better accessibility to the units, for example during installation or servicing, compared to non-fold-out circuit boards. A contact protection cover 71 in the interior 54 of the charging station 50 is shown in FIG 23a and FIG 36.

[0135] FIG. 27 shows a housing component 73 of the charging station 50. In the case of a cable variant, charging cables are routed through charging cable feedthroughs in the housing component 73 into the interior of the charging station 50. In the case of a socket variant, these charging cable feedthroughs can be closed by means of blind plugs 74, as shown, for example, in FIG. 37.

[0136] The charging station 50 has a door 61 on a vertical front side 60, which connects the two vertical narrow sides 52 to one another, which door can be folded down vertically about a horizontal axis, so that the interior 54 is accessible when the door 61 is open and closed when the door 61 is closed and is therefore not accessible from the outside.

[0137] The locks 34 of the two covers 21 of the two power modules 10 are arranged in such a way, and the covers 21 and the door 61 are designed in such a way that each of the locks 34 also locks the closed door 61, whereby opening the door is already impossible with a closed lock 34. If the cover 21 of the two power modules 10 is already closed, opening the door 61 is therefore not possible.

[0138] The charging station 50 thus implements a two-stage locking mechanism: To access the residual current device 11 for the regularly required test triggering, it is sufficient to open the side covers 21 (first stage of the locking mechanism). It could be provided to attach different locks to both power modules 10 of the charging station 50, so that certain users can only open the cover 21 of their assigned charging point. To access the interior of the charging station, both covers 21 must be open (second stage of the locking mechanism), as only then can the door 61 be opened.

[0139] The door 61 has a second seal 63 on its inside, by means of which the interior 54 of the charging station 50 is sealed from the outside when the door 61 is closed. The second seal 63 is concealed by the door 61, in that it is not arranged at the edge of the door 61, but rather drawn inward, and is therefore not accessible from the outside when the door 61 is closed. This inward-drawn and thus concealed sealing contour is more robust against external impacts in the event of vandalism than a sealing contour along the edge. This means that, for example, the impact resistance level IK10 can also be achieved with plastic and not only with sheet metal or steel as the material.

[0140] The charging station 50 has a user-visible display device 64 in the door 61, which comprises a screen 65 (see FIGS. 32a, 32b) and a lighting device 66 (see FIG. 23a) for backlighting the screen 65. The screen 65 is ring-shaped and transparent or translucent to light. The lighting device

[0141] 66 has several adjustable light sources 67, for example LEDs, which are arranged in a ring behind the screen 65. The light sources

[0142] 67 are controlled by a control unit with regard to their colour and / or luminous intensity and / or their switching state.

[0143] The embodiment of a charging station 50 according to the invention shown in FIGS. 16, 18, 19, 22, 23a, 23b, 24 shows a socket variant in which both power modules 10 are equipped with a charging socket 26.

[0144] The exemplary embodiment of a charging station 50 according to the invention shown in FIGS. 17, 20, 21, 25a, 25b, 26 shows a cable variant in which both power modules 10 are equipped with a non-electrically connected charging plug receptacle 27. Instead, a charging cable 72 is permanently electrically connected to the power train 15 of each of the two power modules 10, indirectly via intermediate cables in the example shown.

[0145] FIGS. 33 and 34 show a wall mount 68 for a charging station 50 configured as a wall box. The charging station 50 is attached with its rear side to the wall mount 68. The wall mount 68 is preferably made of metal. The wall mount 68 has two hooks 69 that interact with corresponding rear recesses 70 (indicated by dashed lines in FIG. 27) of the charging station 50 such that the charging station 50 can be suspended from the hooks 69. After being suspended from the hooks 69, the charging station 50 can be firmly connected to the wall mount 68, for example, via screw connections. The wall mount 68 itself is attached to a wall by means of screws, as shown in FIG. 34.

[0146] The invention thus proposes a power module with a residual current device, measuring device, and switching element, in which these components are enclosed in a separate housing. This power module can be used in various charging stations. The linear arrangement of the components in the power module along a longitudinal direction and the symmetrical design of the power module housing enable double-sided use in charging stations, in particular wall boxes and charging stations with two charging points. Thus, only one power module needs to be manufactured; the versatility of use increases the production quantity and reduces storage and logistics costs, thus contributing to cost reduction. This also simplifies spare parts management in the event of a service call. The charging station according to the invention enables the impact resistance level IK10.Seals, such as foam seals in the interior and on the cover above the residual current device as well as a circumferential seal on the power module, ensure the IP55 protection standard.

[0147] The power module can be installed, for example, by first wiring the residual current device, possibly already wired with a device for detecting smooth DC residual currents, to the measuring device. This is followed by wiring the measuring device and switching element. This now formed power train with connected signal lines is then attached to the lower part of the housing, for example by clipping. As a further assembly, the pre-assembled charging socket (specifically a charging socket lower part) is mounted in the designated support device, for example a socket tower, electrically connected to the switching element and then installed in the lower part of the housing. The power module is closed by fitting the upper part of the housing, including the circumferential seal and the already glued viewing window for the measuring device display.A sealing flange and a cover cap (a hinged lid) are then screwed onto the internal charging socket (specifically, the charging socket's lower section). Finally, a cover over the residual current device with an integrated foam seal and lever lock seals the power module, protecting it from jets and splashes of water.

[0148] The charging station can be assembled, for example, by pre-assembling the support housing, for example by inserting cables and installing terminal blocks, and then inserting the two power modules into the respective slots from the respective side and locking them into place. The remaining modules are then hung inside the charging station. Various tests are then performed, and finally, the door is hung and closed. Then, if not already done, the covers over the residual current devices of the two power modules can be installed, closed, and locked.

[0149] The charging station can essentially be assembled using only one assembly direction: The power modules are already assembled separately and then inserted into the charging station, at least essentially fully assembled. The actual assembly of the charging station can then, for example, take place from above in the horizontal charging station. This avoids two different assembly directions that would otherwise be necessary in production: inserting the circuit boards and components from "above" into the horizontal charging station, and inserting the components rotated by 90° from the side for the power modules. Instead, the components are pre-assembled in the power modules, for example also in one assembly direction from "above" into the horizontal power module, and the essentially fully assembled power module is inserted from the side into the base housing of the charging station.

[0150] FIGS. 38 to 41 show, in various views, a third exemplary embodiment of a charging station 50 according to the invention with only one power module 10 as shown in FIG. 1. In contrast to the two exemplary embodiments described above, this charging station 50 has only one charging point. Specifically shown is a socket variant with a charging socket 26, but, analogous to the exemplary embodiments described above, a cable variant with a charging plug receptacle 27 instead of the charging socket 26 is also possible. This charging station 50 has a slot 51 for a power module 10 on only one of the two vertical narrow sides 52, namely on the narrow side shown in FIG. 39, but not on the opposite narrow side shown in FIG. 41.

[0151] Reference symbol list

[0152] 10 Power module

[0153] 11 Residual current device

[0154] 12 Device for detecting smooth DC residual currents

[0155] 13 Measuring device

[0156] 14 Switching element

[0157] 15 Power train

[0158] 16 housings

[0159] 17 Upper housing part

[0160] 18 Lower housing part

[0161] 19 Front wall of the upper housing part 17

[0162] 20 first recess

[0163] 21 lids

[0164] 22 second recess

[0165] 23 viewing windows

[0166] 24 Display of the measuring device 13

[0167] 25 first terminal block for connecting a charging current supply line

[0168] 26 charging socket

[0169] 27 Charging plug receptacle

[0170] 27a Mounting frame

[0171] 27b cover frame

[0172] 28 second connection block for connecting a charging cable

[0173] 29 Carrier facility

[0174] 30 third recess

[0175] 31 Cover cap

[0176] 32 clips

[0177] 33 DIN rails

[0178] 34 Castle

[0179] 35 Snap connection for connecting the upper housing part 17 and the lower housing part 18

[0180] 36 recesses for locking

[0181] 37 Projection for clear positioning 38 Recess for clear positioning

[0182] 39 first seal

[0183] 40 heat dissipation openings

[0184] 41 first through-hole in the lower housing part 18

[0185] 42 second through-hole in the lower housing part 18

[0186] 50 charging stations

[0187] 51 Slot for a power module 10

[0188] 52 vertical narrow sides of the charging station 50

[0189] 53 Locking pin

[0190] 54 Interior of the charging station 50

[0191] 55 electronic control unit of the charging station 50

[0192] 56 Communication unit

[0193] 57 fold-out circuit board holder

[0194] 58 fold-out circuit board holder

[0195] 59 Acoustic unit

[0196] 60 vertical front of the charging station 50

[0197] 61 Door

[0198] 62 Decorative panel of the door 61

[0199] 63 second seal

[0200] 64 Display device

[0201] 65 Screen

[0202] 66 Lighting equipment

[0203] 67 Light sources of the lighting device 66

[0204] 68 Wall mount

[0205] 69 Wall bracket hook 68

[0206] 70 rear recesses

[0207] 71 Contact protection cover

[0208] 72 charging cables

[0209] 73 Housing component of the charging station 50 according to FIG 16 and FIG 17

[0210] 74 Blind plug for closing charging cable feedthroughs

Claims

Patent claims 1. A power module (10) for a charging station (50) for electric vehicles, comprising a1) a residual current device (11), a2) a measuring device (13) for measuring an electrical quantity of a charging current conducted through the power module (10), a3) a switching element (14) for switching off the charging current, a4) wherein at least the residual current device (11) and the measuring device (13) and the switching element (14) are electrically connected to one another, so that at least the residual current device (11) and the measuring device (13) and the switching element (14) form a power train (15) electrically connected in series, b1) a housing (16) enclosing the power train (15), b2) wherein the housing (16) has a length in a longitudinal direction that is greater than a width of the housing (16) in a lateral direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, b3) wherein the housing (16) has a housing upper part (17) and a housing base (18),b4) wherein the upper housing part (17) and the lower housing part (18) are arranged one above the other in a vertical direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and to the lateral direction, such that the lower housing part (18) is received in the charging station (50) when installed in the charging station (50) and a front wall (19) of the upper housing part (17) forms a region of the outside of the charging station (50), cl) wherein the residual current device (11), the measuring device (13) and the switching element (14) are mounted directly or indirectly in corresponding receptacles in the lower housing part (18) and covered by the upper housing part (17), c2) wherein on the front wall (19) of the upper housing part (17) in a region covering the residual current device (11), a continuous first recess (20) with a cover (21) closing the first recess (20), wherein the residual current device (11) is accessible through the first recess (20) when the cover (21) is opened or removed, and c3) wherein a continuous second recess (22) is arranged on the front wall (19) of the upper housing part (17) in an area covering the measuring device (13), which second recess (22) is provided with a viewing window (23) is closed, whereby a display is shown via the viewing window (23) (24) of the measuring device (13) is visible from the outside.

2. Power module (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the power module (10) does not have an electronic control unit (55) of the charging station (50) and no communication unit (56) for communication with a user of the charging station (50).

3. Power module (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that the charging station (50) for which the power module (10) is intended has at least one insertion slot (51) into which the power module (10) can be inserted, and at least one interior space (54) spatially separated from the insertion slot(s) (51), wherein the electronic control unit (55) of the charging station (50) and the communication unit (56) for communication with a user of the charging station (50) are arranged in the interior space(s) (54).

4. Power module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the charging station (50) has a plug-in slot (51) on each of two opposite vertical narrow sides (52) of the charging station (50), into which the power module (10) can be inserted, wherein a sealed interior space (54) is formed between the two insertion slots (51), in which an electronic control unit (55) of the charging station (50) and a communication unit (56) for communication with a user of the charging station (50) are arranged. Power module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the power module (10) additionally comprises a device (12) for detecting smooth DC residual currents, which is electrically connected to the residual current device (11), the measuring device (13), and the switching element (14), and is thus integrated into the power train (15). Power module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the power train (15) has a first terminal block (25) for connecting a charging current supply line as an electrical input for the charging current.Power module (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that the first terminal block (25) is formed or attached directly to the residual current device (11) or to the housing base (18) with an electrical connection to the residual current device (11). Power module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the power module (10) comprises, as a power connection for a charging cable, a charging socket (26) for a charging plug, which is electrically connected to the switching element (14) and thus electrically integrated into the power train (15).

9. Power module (10) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the power module (10) comprises a non-electrically connected charging plug receptacle (27) for parking a charging plug of the charging cable, wherein the charging plug in the parked state is not electrically connected to the residual current device (11) and the measuring device (13) and the switching element (14) and is thus not electrically integrated into the power train (15).

10. Power module (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that the power module (10) comprises, as a power connection for a charging cable, a second connection block (28) for the direct or indirect connection of a charging cable for electric vehicles, which is electrically connected to the switching element (14) and thus electrically integrated into the power train (15).

11. Power module (10) according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the charging socket (26) or the charging plug receptacle (27) is attached directly or indirectly via a support device (29) to the lower housing part (18) and is covered by the upper housing part (17), wherein on the front wall (19) of the upper housing part (17) in an area covering the charging socket (26) or the charging plug receptacle (27) a continuous third recess (30) is formed, via which the charging socket (26) or the charging plug receptacle (27) is accessible from the outside for a charging plug.

12. Power module (10) according to claim 11, characterized in that on an outer side of the front wall (19) of the housing upper part (17) in the region of the third recess (30) to the charging socket (26) o- which has an openable and closable cover flap (31) formed or attached towards the charging plug receptacle (27), wherein the charging socket (26) or the charging plug receptacle (27) is accessible through the third recess (30) when the cover flap (31) is open.

13. Power module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the residual current device (11) and / or the measuring device (13) and / or the switching element (14) are fastened to the housing lower part (18) by means of clips (32) formed or attached to the housing lower part (18) and / or by means of top-hat rails (33).

14. Power module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover (21) which is assigned to the residual current device (11) has a lock (34) by means of which the cover (21) can be locked in a closed state, wherein in the closed state it is not possible to open the cover (21).

15. Power module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the viewing window (23) associated with the measuring device (13) is glued to the front wall (19) of the upper housing part (17).

16. Power module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The upper housing part (17) and the lower housing part (18) are or can be connected to one another via a detachable snap connection (35). Power module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The upper housing part (17) and the lower housing part (18) are or can be connected to one another only in a relative position to one another. Power module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (16) has recesses (36) for locking the power module (10) in the charging station (50). Power module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (16) has projections (37) and / or recesses (38) for clearly positioning the power module (10) in a slot (51) provided for this purpose in the charging station (50). Power module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (16) forms or has a circumferential first seal (39) for sealing against a slot (51) of the charging station (50).Power module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the front wall (19) of the upper housing part (17) is designed to be protected against jets and / or splash water in a closed state. Power module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (16) has heat dissipation openings (40) which, when installed in the charging station (50), are concealed from the outside by an overall housing of the charging station (50). Power module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the residual current device (11), the measuring device (13), and the switching element (14) are arranged along the longitudinal direction in the housing (16). Power module (10) according to claim 23, characterized in that the residual current device (11) and / or the measuring device (13) and / or the switching element (14) is / are each a top-hat rail module, wherein the top-hat rail (33) assigned to the respective top-hat rail module is arranged on the housing base (18) transversely to the longitudinal direction of the housing (16).Power module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (16) is mirror-symmetrical, mirrored about a longitudinally extending center plane. Charging station (50) with one or two or more power modules (10) according to one of the preceding claims. Charging station (50) according to claim 26, characterized in that the charging station (50) has one or two or more insertion slots (51) for accommodating the power module(s) (10). Charging station (50) according to claim 27, characterized in that the charging station (50) has at least one interior space (54) spatially separated from the one or more insertion slots (51), wherein an electronic control unit (55) of the charging station (50) and a communication unit (56) for communication with a user of the charging station (50) are arranged in the one or more interior spaces (54). Power module (10) according to claim 28, characterized in that the one or more power modules (10) do not have an electronic control unit (55) of the charging station (50) and do not have a communication unit (56) for communication with a user of the charging station (50). Charging station (50) according to claim 28 or 29, characterized in that the electronic control unit (55) and / or the communication unit (56) are designed as circuit boards with a fold-out circuit board holder (57; 58).Charging station (50) according to one of claims 28 to 30, characterized in that the charging station (50) comprises an acoustic unit (59) that can be controlled by the control unit (55) and that acoustically signals one or more predetermined states of the charging station (50). Charging station (50) according to one of claims 28 to 31, characterized in that the charging station (50) has a door (61) that can be opened vertically about a horizontal axis, so that the interior (54) is accessible when the door (61) is open.

33. Charging station (50) according to claim 32, characterized in that at least one cover (21) which is assigned to the residual current device (11) of the power module (10) or one of the power modules (10) has a lock (34) by means of which the cover (21) can be closed, wherein in the closed state it is not possible to open the cover (21), wherein the lock (34) is arranged in such a way and the cover (21) and the door (61) are designed in such a way that the lock (34) additionally also closes the closed door (61), wherein it is not possible to open the door (61) when the lock (34) is closed.

34. Charging station (50) according to one of claims 28 to 33, characterized in that the interior (54) of the charging station (50) is sealed to the outside by one or more second seals (63), wherein the second seals (63) are arranged concealed and / or drawn inwards and are therefore not accessible from the outside when the charging station (50) is closed.

35. Charging station (50) according to one of claims 26 to 34 with two power modules (10) according to one of claims 1 to 25, characterized in that the charging station (50) has a plug-in slot (51) on each of two opposite vertical narrow sides (52) of the charging station (50), into each of which one of the two power modules (10) is inserted.

36. Charging station (50) according to claim 35 and claim 28, characterized in that the interior (54) is formed between the two insertion slots (51), in which the electronic control unit (55) of the charging station The charging station (50) and the communication unit (56) are arranged for communication with a user of the charging station (50). The charging station (50) according to claim 35 or 36, characterized in that the charging station (50) has a door (61) on a vertical front side (60) that connects the two vertical narrow sides (52) to one another, which door can be opened vertically about a horizontal axis, so that the interior space (54) is accessible when the door (61) is open.Charging station (50) according to claim 37, characterized in that both covers (21), which are each assigned to the residual current protective device (11) of one of the power modules (10), each have a lock (34) by means of which the respective cover (21) can be closed, wherein in the closed state, no opening of the cover (21) is possible, wherein each of the two locks (34) is arranged in such a way and the covers (21) and the door (61) are designed in such a way that each of the locks (34) additionally also closes the closed door (61), wherein opening of the door (61) is already not possible when the lock is closed. Charging station (50) according to one of claims 26 to 38, characterized in that each power module (10) is locked in the charging station (50) by one or two or more locking pins (53) which interact with corresponding recesses (36) in the power module (10). Charging station (50) according to one of claims 26 to 39, characterized in that the charging station (50) has a display device (64) comprising a screen (65) and a lighting device (66) for backlighting the screen (65), wherein the screen (65) is arranged so as to be visible to a user of the charging station (50), wherein the screen (50) is ring-shaped, wherein the screen (50) is transparent or translucent to light at least in the region of the lighting device. Charging station (50) according to claim 40, characterized in that the lighting device (66) comprises a plurality of adjustable light sources (67), wherein the light sources (67) are arranged in a ring-like manner behind the screen (65), and wherein the light sources (67) are adjustable and / or controllable with regard to their color and / or luminosity and / or their switching state by means of one or the electronic control unit (55) of the charging station.Charging station (50) according to claim 41, characterized in that the electronic control unit (55) is designed to control all light sources (67) in certain predetermined operating states of the charging station (50) in such a way that the totality of all light sources (67) signals the operating state of the charging station (50). Charging station (50) according to claim 41 or 42 and according to one of claims 35 to 38, characterized in that the electronic control unit (55) is designed to, in certain predetermined operating states of the two power modules (10) of the charging station (50), control the light sources (67) assigned to a first half of the screen (65) in such a way that they signal an operating state of one of the power modules (10), and to control the light sources (67) assigned to a second half of the screen (65) in such a way that they signal an operating state of the other power module (10).Charging station (50) according to one of claims 26 to 43, characterized in that the charging station (50) is a wall box with a wall mount (68), wherein the charging station (50) is attached or attachable with its rear side to the wall mount (68), wherein the wall mount (68) has one or more hooks (69) that interact with corresponding rear recesses (70) of the charging station (50) such that the charging station (50) can be suspended from the hooks (69), wherein the charging station (50) can be firmly connected to the wall mount (68) after being suspended from the hooks. Charging station (50) according to one of claims 26 to 44, characterized in that the charging station (50) has an overall housing that forms or has a cable suspension for a charging cable and / or one or more storage compartments for accessories and / or tools.

Images