Component for an electric charging device for electric vehicles

Abstract

A charging device (200) for electrically charging electric vehicles using a spiral charging cable (210), and a charging device component (100) are described. The charging device component (100) comprises an orientation element (110) positionable such that a preferential orientation of the orientation element (110) induces a preferential orientation of the spiral charging cable (210). It is provided with a fixation element (120) for fixing the orientation element (110) in the charging device (200) and it is adapted to assume, after fixation to the charging device (200), at rest, a preferential orientation relative to the charging device (200).

Description

[0001] Component for an electric charging device for electric vehicles

[0002] Field of application of the invention

[0003] This invention relates generally to components, electric charging devices and methods for electrically charging vehicles. More specifically, the present invention comprises components for storing a charging cable for an electric charging device, electric charging devices having such components, and methods for electrically charging a vehicle.

[0004] Background of the invention

[0005] Electric vehicles (EVs) have gained considerable popularity in recent years because of their environmental benefits. These vehicles require charging infrastructure to replenish their batteries. A common type of infrastructure is a charging device that uses a cable to connect the vehicle to the power source. These cables are often designed in a spiral form to allow flexibility and compact storage. However, storing these spiral cables can be challenging. If not stored properly, they can become tangled or damaged, leading to operational problems. In addition, improper storage can also cause aesthetic problems, as dangling or improperly stored cables are visually unattractive. Various solutions to the problem have been explored. Although the use of a bracket has often made stowage easier, in some cases it has also made it more difficult to store the cable. Another solution evaluated was the use of magnets, attached to several spirals of the cable, such that they could adhere by magnetic force to the wall of the housing when storing the cable. However, after pulling the cable far out, kinks still developed, which sometimes caused the cable to adhere to the housing in the wrong places and thus still partially fall out of the housing. Moreover, with this solution the spirals did not always land neatly on top of each other, which meant that the cable did not always recover. Another disadvantage appeared to be that the magnet could stick to the car or to the outside of the housing. Therefore, there is a need for improved methods and systems for storing and using spiral charging cables in EV charging devices.

[0006] EP4098478 describes a component for a charging device having an orientation element that can be placed in a spiral charging cable. CN213472818, W02020 / 012198, DE202015102593 and EP38753O6 describe components for charging devices having an orientation element that is to be positioned on the outside of a charging cable.

[0007] Summary of the invention

[0008] It is an object of embodiments in accordance with the present invention to provide components, systems and methods that result in a precise and / or tidy way of charging electric vehicles.

[0009] The above object is achieved by a component, system and / or method in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

[0010] The present invention relates to a component for a charging device to be used for electrically charging electric vehicles using a spiral charging cable. The charging device component comprises an orientation element positionable relative to the spiral charging cable such that a preferential orientation of the orientation element induces a preferential orientation of the spiral charging cable. The orientation element is provided at one end with a fixation element for fixing the orientation element in the charging device. The orientation element is adapted to assume, after fixation to the charging device and at rest, a preferential orientation relative to the charging device.

[0011] It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that the charging cable can be removed from the housing of the system in different directions, while still allowing efficient and proper storage in the housing.

[0012] This implies that the charging cable can be more easily repositioned in the housing of the charging system. As a result, the cables can be stored in a precise and at the same time compact way. This means that they are less likely or unable to become tangled or damaged, resulting in fewer or no operational problems. Moreover, this also results in better aesthetics, as stored cables make for a more visually appealing charging device.

[0013] The orientation element can have an outer diameter smaller than the diameter of the spiral charging cable at rest, so that the orientation element can be positioned in the cavity of the spiral charging cable. This ensures compact and precise storage. This also ensures easy handling of the charging cable.

[0014] The orientation element can comprise a spring. The use of a spring will result in the ability to move the spiral cable in the direction of the car, thus giving the necessary flexibility for different charging situations, e.g. different positions of the vehicle relative to the loading device, and at the same time allowing the storage of the spiral cable to still be aesthetically pleasing and precise. The spring can be a coil spring. The coil spring can be a tension spring or push spring. The use of a spring in the orientation element in the charging device results in a more robust and durable way of storing the charging cable in the charging device.

[0015] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the orientation element comprises a first part and a second part, wherein the first part is positioned closer to the fixation element than the second part, and the first part has a greater rigidity than the second part. This has the result that the preferential orientation of the orientation element can be easily maintained while still providing sufficient flexibility to move the spiral charging cable in the direction of the vehicle.

[0016] The greater rigidity of the first part relative to the second part can be obtained, for example, by using an orientation element in the form of a spring with a first part having a smaller diameter than a second part of the spring.

[0017] The transition between the first part and the second part can change gradually, such that the orientation element, for example the spring, can comprise a conical portion between the first part and the second part. This provides a graduated and aesthetic configuration and prevents the spiral charging cable from becoming entangled with the orientation element. The orientation element can comprise, on the side other than where it is fixed, a rounded section. This creates a better design because it allows the spiral cable to remain in a better position relative to the orientation element.

[0018] In some embodiments, the orientation element is at least partially shaped like a hollow cylinder such that it can surround a part of the spiral charging cable of the charging device. Thus, in these embodiments, the orientation element is not centrally located in the cavity formed by the spiral charging cable, but around the spiral charging cable. A combination of embodiments, wherein the charging device component both an orientation component for in the cavity of the spiral charging cable and an orientation component that at least partially surrounds the spiral charging cable, is also possible.

[0019] In embodiments, the fixation element can comprise a threaded rod for fixing the orientation element to the charging device.

[0020] In some embodiments, the orientation element comprises a rotation element so that the orientation element can rotate, i.e. change orientation, relative to the charging device. The rotation element is in this case typically adapted such that at rest, the orientation element again assumes its preferential orientation with respect to the charging device.

[0021] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a charging device for electrically charging electric vehicles using a spiral charging cable. The charging device comprises an electric charging system for providing electricity for charging the vehicle, a charging device component as described in the first aspect, and a spiral charging cable. The orientation element of the charging device component is typically positioned in the cavity of the spiral charging cable or, in an alternative embodiment, surrounds at least a part of the spiral charging cable. A combination of both embodiments is also possible.

[0022] The charging device for electrically charging electric vehicles can, in some embodiments, also comprise a housing in which the charging device component and the spiral charging cable can be stored when the charging device is not being used for charging an electric vehicle. This provides more aesthetic and efficient storage of the spiral cable when not in use, thereby improving the overall user experience and reducing the likelihood of damage to the spiral charging cable.

[0023] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for installing or upgrading a charging device, the method comprising installing a charging device component as described in the first aspect into the cavity of a spiral charging cable of the charging device and / or installing a charging device component such that it surrounds at least a part of the spiral charging cable. A combination of both embodiments is also possible.

[0024] Specific and preferred aspects of the invention are included in the appended independent and dependent claims. Features of the dependent claims may be combined with features of the independent claims and with features of other dependent claims as appropriate and not merely as expressly set out in the claims.

[0025] Brief description of the figures

[0026] FIG. 1 is an example of a charging device component for a charging device for electric vehicles in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 2 is an example of a charging device for charging electric vehicles in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 3 to FIG. 5 illustrate various states of the orientation component of the charging device for electric vehicles in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] The figures are only schematic and not limiting. In the figures, the dimensions of some parts may be exaggerated and not to scale for illustrative purposes. The dimensions and relative dimensions do not necessarily correspond to those of practical embodiments of the invention. Reference numerals in the claims should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of protection. Detailed description of illustrative embodiments

[0030] The present invention will be described with reference to specific embodiments and to certain figures, but the invention is not limited thereto and is limited only by the claims.

[0031] It should be noted that the term "includes" and "comprises", as used in the claims, is not to be construed as limited to the means described thereafter; this term does not exclude other elements or steps. It can therefore be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, values, steps or components referred to, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, values, steps or components, or groups thereof. Thus, the scope of the expression "a device including means A and B" should not be limited to devices consisting only of components A and B. It means that with regard to the present invention, A and B are the only relevant components of the device.

[0032] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a specific feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, occurrences of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" at various places throughout this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment, but may do so. Furthermore, the specific features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, based on this disclosure, in one or more embodiments. Similarly, it should be appreciated that in the description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together into a single embodiment, figure or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. In any case, this method of disclosure should not be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the invention requires more features than those explicitly stated in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all the features of a single previously disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the detailed description are hereby expressly incorporated into this detailed description, with each claim standing alone as a separate embodiment of this invention.

[0033] Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some, but not other, features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are intended to be within the scope of the invention, and constitute different embodiments, as would be understood by those skilled in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the described embodiments may be used in any combination.

[0034] It should be noted that the use of certain terminology in describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be construed as implying that the terminology herein is redefined so as to be limited to specific features of the characteristics or aspects of the invention with which this terminology is linked.

[0035] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a component for a charging device to be used for electrically charging electric vehicles using a spiral charging cable. Electric vehicles herein can be electric cars, but the invention is not limited thereto and also relates to charging devices for other vehicles such as buses, boats, etc. Where reference is made in the present description to a charging device, reference can also be made to a charging installation, a charging facility, or a charging unit.

[0036] In accordance with the present invention, the charging device component comprises an orientation element positionable relative to the spiral charging cable such that a preferential orientation of the orientation element induces a preferential orientation of the spiral charging cable, i.e. when the spiral charging cable is not being pulled. Thus, the orientation element in this way induces an orientation of the spiral charging cable when the latter is at rest, or in other words, when it is not being used.

[0037] According to embodiments, the orientation element is provided at one end with a fixation element for fixing the orientation element in the charging device. The fixation element can be a threaded rod that is fastened to the charging device, but can also be another element that allows the orientation element to be fixed to the charging device. In some embodiments, it can be a surface that allows the element to be bonded to the charging device. Furthermore, the orientation element is adapted to assume, after fixation to the charging device and at rest, a preferential orientation relative to the charging device. By way of illustration, the example of a spring, as shown in FIG. 1, although embodiments are not limited by this and, for example, elements can also be used which are positioned around the spiral charging cable or a part thereof, or an element consisting of an elongated element mounted on a spring-hinged element or springrotating element, wherein the spring-hinged element or spring-rotating element is provided with a mechanism for, when not being manipulated by movement of the charging cable, returning to a default state that induces preferential orientation to the orientation element, and consequently to the spiral charging cable.

[0038] The embodiments of the present invention result in systems in which the charging cable is more readily repositionable in the housing of the charging system. As a result, the cables can be stored in a precise and at the same time compact way. This means that they are less likely or unable to become tangled or damaged, resulting in fewer or no operational problems. Moreover, this also results in better aesthetics, as stored cables make for a more visually appealing charging device.

[0039] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of the orientation element 100. This example involves a spring whose largest outer diameter is smaller than the diameter of the spiral charging cable at rest, so that the orientation element 100 can be positioned in the cavity of the spiral charging cable. Because the orientation element in this case is a spring, it always occupies a preferential orientation at rest. The spring of the example is a coil spring and can be, for example, a tension spring or a push spring. In FIG. 1, the spring comprises a first part and a second part, wherein the first part is positioned closer to the fixation element than the second part, and the first part has a greater rigidity than the second part. This has the result that the preferential orientation of the orientation element can be easily maintained while still providing sufficient flexibility to move the spiral charging cable in the direction of the vehicle. The greater rigidity of the first part relative to the second part is obtained in the present example by using a spring with a first part having a smaller diameter than a second part of the spring. The transition between the first part and the second part in the exemplary spring changes gradually, such that there is a conical portion between the first part and the second part. On the side opposite the fixation element, the spring is provided with comprises a rounded section. This creates a better design because it allows the spiral cable to remain in a better position relative to the orientation element.

[0040] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a charging device for electrically charging electric vehicles using a spiral charging cable. Electric vehicles herein can be electric cars, but the invention is not limited thereto and also relates to charging devices for other vehicles such as buses, boats, etc. Where reference is made in the present description to a charging device, reference can also be made to a charging installation, a charging facility, or a charging unit. Corresponding embodiments of the present invention, the charging device 200 comprises an electric charging system 205, a charging device component 100 as described in the first aspect, and a spiral charging cable 210. The orientation element of the charging device component 100 is typically positioned in the cavity of the spiral charging cable 210 or, in an alternative embodiment, surrounds at least a part of the spiral charging cable 210. A combination of both embodiments is also possible.

[0041] Standard as well as optional elements and features of the charging device component 100 can be as cited in the first aspect.

[0042] The charging device for electrically charging electric vehicles can, in some embodiments, also comprise a housing 220 in which the charging device component 100 and the spiral charging cable 210 can be stored when the charging device 200 is not being used for charging an electric vehicle. Standard and optional elements of the charging device 200 can be seen in FIG. 2.

[0043] By way of illustration, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is described below. This illustrates standard as well as optional features of such a system.

[0044] The electric charging system 205, also known as a power unit, is typically adapted such that it can be mounted in the charging device. The electric charging cable 210 of embodiments of the present invention is spiral-shaped such that, when pulled on, the cable can lengthen and, when released, reassumes its shorter spiral shape. The electric charging cable 210 is coupled to the electric charging system 205 and has necessary connectors that allow coupling to the electric vehicle in order to charge this electric vehicle. The electric charging system 205 provided with the necessary electrical components, such that it can supply electrical energy for charging electric vehicles. Features of such elements are known to a person skilled in the art and are not described in further detail here.

[0045] The electric charging device typically also comprises a housing 220 in which the electric charging system 205 is positioned, but in which in addition the spiral charging cable can be positioned when not actively being used for charging an electric vehicle. The housing can comprise, for example, a door behind which the charging cable can be positioned when not in active use. The housing 220 can be made of a suitable material, such as, for example, plastic or metal.

[0046] The electric charging device 200 can typically also comprise an interface that allows data exchange with the user, as well as other conventional elements.

[0047] By way of illustration, FIG. 3 to 5 show a part of the electric charging device 200 with the orientation component. In FIG. 3, the charging cable is extended, for example, when plugged into an electric vehicle. Thus, the orientation element is not at rest and does not have its preferential orientation. In FIG. 4, the orientation element is shown for illustration purposes when it is not positioned in the cavity of the spiral cable, to illustrate the preferential orientation. In FIG. 5, the orientation element is shown when it is in its correct position in the cavity of the spiral cable, and when the cable is at rest, i.e. when the cable is stored in the cavity of the housing.

[0048] In a third aspect, the present invention relates to a method for installing or upgrading a charging device. The method comprises installing a charging device component as described in the first aspect into the cavity of a spiral charging cable of the charging device and / or installing a charging device component such that it surrounds at least a part of the spiral charging cable, which enables existing systems to be upgraded such that proper stowage of the charging cable can be achieved with precision, or to install new devices which use this system. It is an advantage of some embodiments of the present invention that existing charging devices can be easily adapted to obtain the advantages of better storage of spiral charging cables.

Claims

Claims1. A charging device component (100) for use in a charging device (200) for electrically charging electric vehicles using a spiral charging cable (210), the charging device component (100) comprising an orientation element (110) positionable relative to the spiral charging cable (210) such that a preferential orientation of the orientation element (110) induces a preferential orientation of the spiral charging cable (210), wherein the orientation element (110) is provided at one end with a fixation element (120) for fixing the orientation element (110) in the charging device (200) and the orientation element (110) is adapted to assume, after fixation to the charging device (200), at rest, a preferential orientation relative to the charging device (200), characterized in that the orientation element (110) has an outer diameter smaller than the diameter of the spiral charging cable (210) at rest, so that the orientation element (110) can be positioned in the cavity of the spiral charging cable (210), and that the orientation element (110) comprises a spring.

2. The charging device component (100) according to claim 1, wherein the spring is a coil spring.

3. The charging device component (100) according to claim 2, wherein the spring is a tension spring or push spring.

4. The charging device component (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the orientation element (110) comprises a first part and a second part, the first part being positioned closer to the fixation element (120) than the second part, wherein the first part has a greater rigidity than the second part.

5. The charging device component (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the first part has a smaller diameter than the second part.

6. The charging device component (100) according to any one of claims 4 or 5, wherein the transition between the first part and the second part is gradual such that the spring-loaded element comprises a conical portion between the first part and the second part.

7. The charging device component (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the orientation element (110) comprises a rounded piece (130) on the opposite side from that of the fixation element (120).

8. The charging device component (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fixation element (120) comprises a threaded rod (122) for fixing to the charging device (200).

9. The charging device component (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the orientation element (110) comprises a spring-hinged element or a spring rotation element such that the orientation element (110) can rotate with respect to the charging device (200), wherein the spring-hinged element or spring rotation element is adapted such that when at rest, the orientation element (110) assumes a preferential orientation with respect to the charging device (200).

10. A charging device (200) for electrically charging electric vehicles using a spiral charging cable (210), the charging device (200) comprising an electric charging system (205), a charging device component (100) according to claims 1 to 12, and a spiral charging cable (210), wherein the orientation element (110) of the charging device component (100) is located in the cavity of the spiral charging cable (210).

11. The charging device (200) for electrically charging electric vehicles according to claim 10, wherein the charging device (200) comprises a housing (220) in which the charging device component (100) and the spiral charging cable (210) fit, at the time when the charging device (200) is not used for charging an electric vehicle.

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