Modular and Expandable Electric Charging Terminal for Electric Vehicles

Abstract

The present invention relates to a modular and expandable charging terminal for an electric vehicle, comprising a fixed chassis (30), a removable power distribution unit (60) attached to the fixed chassis (30), and means for removably attaching the removable power distribution unit (60) to the fixed chassis (30).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a modular and expandable electric charging terminal for electric vehicles.

Background Art

[0002] The emergence of electric vehicles in place of thermal engine vehicles involves a review of the energy supply infrastructure.

[0003] In recent years, it has been known that electric vehicles are charged from electric charging terminals (charging points). The number of available charging terminals is constantly increasing, and the regional coverage rate and the flexibility of using electric vehicles are improving.

[0004] In such a situation, currently used charging terminals have several drawbacks, such as a complete lack of modularity and expandability. In particular, when the terminal fails, available technologies evolve, or legal changes occur, it is necessary to completely replace the charging terminal and mobilize many workers.

[0005] Another drawback is that the number of charging points of the terminal cannot be changed. When the number of electric vehicles increases in the area covered by the terminal, the number of charging points of the terminal cannot be changed, and it is necessary to install a new terminal.

[0006] Another drawback resulting from the above two drawbacks is that the service is interrupted when maintenance work, hardware replacement, change in the number of charging points, etc. are required. In particular, in order to repair or replace the charging terminal, it is necessary to interrupt the operation of the terminal and mobilize workers for a considerably long period.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] Therefore, there is a need to provide a charging terminal that solves at least some of the above-mentioned drawbacks, particularly with respect to changing the number of charging points. In fact, currently, in local governments (such as communities and villages), it is common to install charging terminals for electric vehicles in anticipation of a limited number of electric vehicles using the charging terminals. As the number of electric vehicles increases, this local government will have to install new charging terminals without changing the already installed terminals. In other words, this local government does not have a solution that allows it to install a charging terminal that can change the number of charging points without particular problems when needed.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a modular and expandable charging terminal for electric vehicles.

[0009] In particular, in at least one embodiment, an object of the present invention is to provide a charging terminal that limits service interruption during the change of the charging terminal.

[0010] In particular, in at least one embodiment, an object of the present invention is to provide a charging terminal that can be changed while limiting the service interruption by an operator to a maximum of 5 minutes.

[0011] Also, in at least one embodiment, an object of the present invention is to provide a charging terminal that can change the number of charging points without requiring infrastructure work.

[0012] Also, in at least one embodiment, an object of the present invention is to provide a charging terminal that is easy to install, use, maintain, and / or change.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0013] For the above-mentioned purposes, the present invention is a modular and expandable electric charging terminal for electric vehicles, comprising a power control device (power and control device), comprising a fixed chassis, the fixed chassis comprising, · a base, · means for fixing the base to the ground, · an outer shell fixed to the base and defining a receiving housing and an opening for accessing the receiving housing, · connection pins for connection to an electrical power grid, and a removable power distribution unit adapted to the shape of the receiving housing so as to be accommodatable within the receiving housing of the fixed chassis, the removable unit further comprising, · a facade body configured to close the opening when the removable unit is accommodated within the receiving housing of the fixed chassis, · a rigid frame for supporting the facade body, · an electrical terminal block supported by the frame and configured to be electrically connected to the connection pins of the chassis, · all power control devices supported by the frame and electrically connected to the electrical terminal block, · at least one charging socket supported by the frame and extending into a through opening provided in the facade body, each charging socket being electrically connected to a power control device and configured to be connectable to an electric vehicle to be charged, relates to an electric charging terminal comprising means for removably attaching the removable power distribution unit to the fixed chassis.

[0014] Thus, the charging terminal according to the present invention has the special feature of being composed of three main elements: a chassis fixed to the ground and electrically connected to an electrical power distribution network, a removable unit supporting power control devices accommodated within the chassis, and means for removably attaching the unit to the chassis.

[0015] All power control devices are incorporated into the detachable power distribution unit. In other words, since all the equipment necessary for power distribution is incorporated into a detachable unit, the specifications of the charging terminal of the present invention can be changed by replacing the detachable unit with another unit.

[0016] Furthermore, the detachable unit is provided with a facade body that closes the chassis housing. When the detachable unit is removed, only the outer shell and the connection pins for connecting to the power distribution network remain, and these are preferably arranged near the fixed part of the chassis.

[0017] When inserting the detachable unit, the operator can set the charging terminal to a state where a charging current flows simply by connecting the electrical terminal block of the detachable unit to the connection pins of the chassis.

[0018] The detachable unit also incorporates at least one charging socket supported by a frame. Each socket is electrically connected to the power control device of the detachable unit and is configured to be connectable to an electric vehicle to be charged. For example, a charging cable can be inserted into this electrical socket, the first free end of which can be inserted into the charging socket, and the second free end of which can be inserted into the electric vehicle. This configuration is particularly suitable for terminals supplied with power in alternating current. According to another variant, particularly in the case of a terminal supplied with power in direct current, the charging socket of the terminal is fixed to the charging cable, and its free end can be inserted into the electric vehicle.

[0019] Regardless of the embodiment, it is easy to change the number of charging points of the terminal by replacing the detachable unit with another unit having a different number of charging sockets. Therefore, a special feature of the present invention is, on the one hand, to separate the chassis fixed to the ground from the power distribution equipment, and on the other hand, to integrate all the power distribution equipment within the same unit and be able to remove it as a single unit.

[0020] Due to the separation between the chassis fixed to the ground and the power distribution equipment supported by a detachable unit, even when there are changes in regulations, software updates, hardware changes, etc., the charging terminal can be changed quickly and without problems. Therefore, to use the updated charging terminal, it is only necessary to replace the old detachable unit with a new unit compliant with the new specifications.

[0021] The detachable unit can be inserted into the chassis as a single unit and can also be removed from the unit as a single unit. However, it does not prevent the unit from being formed by a plurality of elements assembled before being inserted into the chassis by means such as interlocks, clips, screwing, or equivalent means.

[0022] The mechanical connection between the detachable unit and the chassis is realized by the detachable attachment means described later.

[0023] Advantageously, according to the present invention, the charging terminal further comprises means for locking the detachable unit onto the fixed chassis, and this locking means is configured to prevent the detachable unit from being pulled out of the chassis in the locked position and to allow the detachable unit to be pulled out of the fixed chassis in the unlocked position.

[0024] The charging terminal according to this advantageous variant makes it possible to prevent the detachable unit from being removed from the chassis when the locking means is in the locked position. Thereby, for example, by making the transition of the locking means from the locked position to the unlocked position conditional on a specific operation of the operator and / or the use of a specific tool by the operator, only authorized operators can remove the detachable unit from the chassis.

[0025] Advantageously, according to this variant, the locking means includes a mechanical locking means coupled to an electronic locking means.

[0026] The charging terminal according to this modification example can move the locking means from the locked position to the unlocked position, for example, when the voltage is lost, or by remote control, or by reading the badge of an authorized operator. Furthermore, by depending on the dual operations of mechanical means and electrical means for unlocking the charging terminal, the charging terminal can be protected.

[0027] The mechanical locking means is formed by, for example, a mechanical lock including a cam disposed at the rear of the chassis and a universal key. The cam is movable by the operation of the universal key and is housed in a striker supported by a detachable unit.

[0028] Advantageously, according to the present invention, the means for detachably attaching the detachable unit to the fixed chassis includes a shaft attached to freely rotate on the detachable unit and at least one fixing screw extending through a hole perpendicular to the rotating shaft formed in the rotating shaft. The screw engages with the base of the fixed chassis, whereby the detachable unit can rotate around the rotating shaft with respect to the chassis between an open position where the detachable unit can be removed from the chassis by pulling out each fixing screw and a closed position where the unit is completely housed in the receiving housing of the chassis.

[0029] According to this advantageous variant, the rotating shaft is fixed to the fixed chassis by means of at least one screw (preferably two screws) passing through the rotating shaft and engaging with the base of the chassis. Furthermore, this shaft is rotatably mounted on the removable unit so that the removable unit can rotate relative to the shaft. Since this shaft is fixed to the base, the removable unit can rotate relative to the chassis. In other words, the combination of a shaft rotatable relative to the removable unit and a screw for fixing this shaft to the base forms a removable hinge for rotating the removable unit on the chassis.

[0030] Therefore, the removal time of the removable unit corresponds to the time required to remove the screws and the time required to disconnect the electrical cable connecting the terminal block of the removable unit and the connection pins of the chassis. Therefore, the removable unit can be removed with an intervention time of less than 5 minutes.

[0031] According to this advantageous variant, the rotating shaft further comprises circlips arranged at both ends of the shaft, which prevent translational movement of the removable unit along the rotating shaft.

[0032] Advantageously, according to the invention, the charging terminal further comprises at least one holding cable, preferably two holding cables, which extend between the outer shell and the rigid frame and are configured to keep the removable unit suspended when the removable unit is rotated about the rotating shaft and tilted to the open position.

[0033] According to this modification example, when the detachable unit is rotated to the open position, it remains suspended. Therefore, the operator can proceed with the operation of loosening the hinge screws while holding the unit via the holding cable. When the loosening of the screws is completed, the operator can separate the holding cable from the detachable unit and remove the unit. These cables include ends provided with holes (eyelets) configured to engage with, for example, the outer shell and / or lugs supported by the detachable unit.

[0034] Advantageously, according to the present invention, the power control device supported by the rigid frame of the detachable unit includes at least one electronic control board called the main board of the charging terminal, an electronic board of the human-machine interface supported by the facade body, at least one circuit breaker, at least one transformer, at least one differential switch, and at least one electronic meter.

[0035] Advantageously, according to the present invention, the charging terminal further includes a data terminal block supported by the facades body, and this data terminal block is configured to be connectable to a computer network by, for example, a terminal block fixed to a fixed chassis.

[0036] According to this advantageous modification example, the charging terminal can be connected to an Internet network type computer network to receive control commands or software updates and transmit operation information (such as consumption, charging, etc.).

[0037] Advantageously, according to the present invention, at least one charging socket, preferably each charging socket, is provided with a protective flap rotatably mounted on the facades body.

[0038] The charging terminal according to this modification example can protect the charging socket from bad weather and avoid the direct exposure of the charging socket.

[0039] Advantageously, according to the present invention, the charging terminal further comprises a handle for carrying a detachable unit, which is mounted on a rigid frame and extends into the receiving housing when the detachable unit is attached to the chassis.

[0040] This handle facilitates the handling of the detachable unit by an operator. This handle is formed, for example, directly on a part of the frame of the charging terminal and is configured such that an operator can pass a hand through it.

[0041] The present invention also relates to a charging terminal having features that are a combination of all or some of the features described above or below.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0042]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0043] In each figure, for the sake of its explanation and clarity, the scale and ratio are not shown precisely. Throughout the following detailed description with reference to each figure, unless otherwise indicated, each element of the charging terminal is described in the arrangement when the charging terminal is fixed to the ground. This configuration is shown particularly in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3. Further, the same, similar, or comparable elements are denoted by the same reference numerals throughout all the figures.

[0044] FIG. 1 shows an electric vehicle 10 connected to a charging terminal 20 by an electric cable 12.

[0045] The charging terminal 20 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 2 to 9.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 4, this charging terminal mainly comprises a chassis (housing) 30 and a detachable unit 60.

[0047] The fixed chassis 30 is composed of a base 32 and a stud 34 for fixing this base to the ground, and the base is formed by, for example, a concrete base 36.

[0048] Also, the chassis is formed by, for example, sheet metal, and includes an outer shell 38 that forms a receiving housing (reception housing) 40 for the detachable unit 60. This outer shell 38 is fixed to the base 32 by, for example, a plate screwed to the base 32. The receiving housing 40 is accessible through an opening 42 that is to be closed by a facade body of the detachable unit described later.

[0049] Finally, the chassis 30 is provided with connection pins for connecting to a power grid (not shown).

[0050] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the detachable unit 60 includes a facade (front member) 62 that closes the opening 42 of the receiving housing 40 of the chassis once the unit is received in the chassis.

[0051] Furthermore, this detachable unit 60 includes a rigid frame 64 that supports the facade 62 and the power control device.

[0052] FIGS. 5 and 6 show the rigid frame 64 of the detachable unit and the facade 62 excluding the power control device. These two figures also show an opening 68 provided in the facade 62 through which a charging socket 84 for receiving a cable 12 for charging the electric vehicle 10 can pass. These figures also show an opening 69 intended to receive a human-machine interface module 50 configured to control the charging terminal. This human-machine interface module 50 may be of any known type. It is composed of an interface that interacts with an electronic board itself connected to various items of power and control devices to ensure the charging of an electric vehicle connected to the charging terminal by a charging cable.

[0053] FIG. 8 shows a unit equipped with a power control device.

[0054] This power control device includes, for example, a contactor 70, a meter 72, a circuit breaker 74, a transformer 76, a differential switch 78, and a differential circuit breaker 80. Of course, other power control devices can also be provided to perform the functions of the electrical characteristics intended for the charging terminal. A person skilled in the art can easily determine the types of power control devices necessary to configure the charging terminal. The core of the present invention lies not in the selection of power control devices, but in the technical means of easily accommodating a detachable unit in the chassis to form an expandable modular charging terminal, and also for removing the detachable unit from the chassis.

[0055] The rigid frame 64 that supports the electrical equipment may include, for example, a DIN rail for facilitating the installation of the equipment.

[0056] The rigid frame 64 also supports an electrical terminal block (electrical terminal block) 82 for connecting the detachable unit to the connectors of the chassis.

[0057] Finally, the detachable unit includes an electric charging socket 84. The number of charging sockets varies depending on the number of charging points intended. Each socket is electrically connected to the power control device and is configured to be connectable, for example, to an electric vehicle to be charged by a charging cable.

[0058] The charging terminal according to the present invention further includes means for detachably attaching the detachable unit 60 to the fixed chassis 30.

[0059] According to the illustrated embodiment, these detachable attachment means are formed by a shaft 90 having two through-tappings and a screw-nut system 92 housed in the tapping for engaging the ground, and the shaft 90 can be fixed relative to the ground and the chassis.

[0060] Also, this shaft 90 is rotatably attached to the detachable unit 60 so that the detachable unit can rotate around the shaft 90 when the shaft is fixed to the ground by the screw-nut system 92.

[0061] This rotating shaft 90 is particularly shown in FIGS. 7 and 9.

[0062] Thus, to attach the detachable unit 60 to the chassis 30, after inserting the screw 92 into the tapping of the shaft 90 and engaging the screw with the ground, the detachable unit 60 is rotated about the shaft so that the detachable unit 60 is received in the receiving housing 40. Before rotating the detachable unit, the operator electrically connects the terminal block of the detachable unit to the connection pins of the chassis.

[0063] In this way, in the charging terminal according to this embodiment, the detachable unit can be quickly and easily attached to the chassis and received in the receiving housing simply by rotating the detachable unit around the rotation axis. This operation can be performed by one operator within 5 minutes.

[0064] According to other embodiments not shown, instead of the rotating shaft, other detachable attachment means can be provided, for example, means for clipping the detachable unit to the outer shell of the chassis or means for screwing the detachable unit to the outer shell.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 4, the charging terminal according to this embodiment further includes a holding cable 66 that extends between the outer shell 38 of the chassis 30 and the rigid frame 64 of the detachable unit 60. This holding cable 66 is, for example, a wire rope configured to keep the detachable unit 60 suspended when the detachable unit 60 is in the open position (as shown in FIG. 4). According to another modification, the charging terminal may include two cables that extend between the outer shell and the detachable unit, respectively, in order to balance the suspension of the unit on both sides of the detachable unit.

[0066] To fix the unit housing to the chassis, the charging terminal advantageously includes means for locking the detachable unit to the fixed chassis.

[0067] These means are constituted by, for example, electromagnetic lock fingers 86 configured to engage with the outer shell 38. In addition to this electromagnetic lock, the locking means can be constituted by a mechanical lock including a cam and a universal key arranged at the rear part of the chassis (not shown), and the cam can be moved by the action of the universal key so as to be received in a striker supported by the detachable unit.

[0068] The charging terminal according to the present invention can quickly change specific features such as the number of charging points, for example. For example, to change the charging terminal from one charging point to three charging points, it is only necessary to remove the detachable unit with one charging point from the chassis and insert the detachable unit with three charging points into the chassis. These detachable units are designed at the factory and can be exchanged according to requirements without modifying the chassis of the charging terminal. Therefore, the detachable unit constitutes a "plug & play" type device. As an example, FIG. 2 shows a terminal with one charging point, and FIG. 3 shows a terminal with three charging points.

[0069] The detachable unit 60 is preferably made so that its weight does not exceed 15 kg so that it can be removed from the chassis and carried by a single operator. For this purpose, the rigid frame and the facade body are preferably made of sheet metal with a thickness of 3 mm. Of course, depending on requirements and regional constraints, the use of other types of materials to form the detachable unit is not precluded.

[0070] Throughout the drawings, the detachable unit is depicted as a single device. In such cases, in other embodiments, the detachable unit can be composed of several individual elements that can be fixed to each other (for example, by interlocking) before being inserted into the receiving housing of the chassis.

Claims

1. A modular and expandable electric charging terminal (20) for an electric vehicle (10), comprising a power control device (70, 72, 74, 76, 78, 80, 84), comprising a fixed chassis (30), wherein the fixed chassis (30) has - a base (32), - means (34) for fixing the base to the ground, - an outer shell (38) fixed to the base and defining a receiving housing (40) and an opening (42) for accessing the receiving housing, - connection pins for connecting to a power distribution network, and comprises a removable power distribution unit (60) adapted to the receiving housing (40) so as to be accommodable within the receiving housing (40) of the fixed chassis, wherein the removable unit (60) further has - a facade body (62) configured to close the opening when the removable unit is accommodated within the receiving housing of the fixed chassis, - a rigid frame (64) supporting the facade body (62), - an electrical terminal block (82) supported by the frame (64) and configured to be electrically connected to the connection pins of the chassis, - all the power control devices (70, 72, 74, 76, 78, 80, 84) supported by the frame (64) and electrically connected to the electrical terminal block (82), - at least one charging socket (84) extending within a through opening (66) provided in the facade body (62) and supported by the frame (64), each charging socket being electrically connected to the power control device and configured to be connectable to an electric vehicle to be charged, and comprises means (90, 92) for removably attaching the removable power distribution unit (60) to the fixed chassis (30). An electric charging terminal (20) characterized by this.

2. The electric charging terminal (20) according to claim 1, further comprising means (86) for locking the removable unit on the fixed chassis (30), wherein in the locked position, the removable unit (60) can be prevented from being pulled out of the chassis (30), and in the unlocked position, the removable unit can be pulled out of the fixed chassis.

3. The electric charging terminal (20) according to claim 2, wherein the locking means (86) has mechanical locking means coupled to the electronic locking means.

4. The means for removably attaching the removable unit (60) to the fixed chassis (30) includes a shaft (90) mounted to rotate freely on the removable unit (60), and at least one fixing screw (92) extending through a hole perpendicular to the rotating shaft formed in the shaft. The screw engages with the base of the fixed chassis, whereby the removable unit (60) can be rotated relative to the chassis about the rotating shaft (90) between an open position where it can be removed from the chassis by pulling out each fixing screw and a closed position where the unit is fully housed within the receiving housing of the chassis. The electric charging terminal (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The electric charging terminal (20) according to claim 4, further comprising at least one holding cable (66), preferably two cables, extending between the outer shell (38) and the rigid frame (64) and configured to keep the removable unit (60) suspended when the removable unit (60) is rotated about the rotating shaft to an inclined open position.

6. The power control devices (70, 72, 74, 76, 78, 80, 84) supported by the rigid frame (64) of the removable unit (60) include at least one electronic control board called the main board of the charging terminal, an electronic board of a human-machine interface supported by the facade body, at least one circuit breaker, at least one transformer, at least one differential switch, and at least one electronic meter. The electric charging terminal (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The electric charging terminal (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a data terminal block supported by the facade body and configured to be connectable to a computer network.

8. The electric charging terminal (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising at least one charging socket (84), preferably each charging socket being provided with a protective flap rotatably mounted on the facade body. **Claim 9** A handle for carrying the detachable unit (60) attached to the rigid frame, the detachable unit further comprising a handle that extends into the receiving housing when attached to the chassis, the electric charging terminal (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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