CHARGING STATION FOUNDATION

Abstract

A charging station (1) mounting device comprising a foundation member (409) configured to be installed below ground level (6), anchoring means (10; 110) by which a charging station (1) is mountable to the foundation member (409) and which comprises a detachable adapter element (11; 111; 211) configured to fit the charging station (1) to the foundation member (409), wherein the foundation member (409) comprises a first main part (409′) and a second main part (409″) that are adapted to be assembled together to form the foundation member (409). Such a mounting device promotes deployment of infrastructure for charging of electric vehicles by providing a low-cost, future-proof platform for fitting charging stations (1) from any supplier using virtually any charging technology. As the foundation member (409) comprises a first main part (409′) and a second main part (409″), the foundation member is configured to be made from plastic material.

Claims

1. A charging station mounting device, the charging station being arranged to charge a vehicle, the mounting device comprising: a foundation member configured to be installed below ground level; and anchoring means by which a charging station is mountable to the foundation member, the anchoring means including a detachable adapter element configured to fit the charging station to the foundation member; wherein the foundation member includes a first main part and a second main part that are adapted to be assembled together to form the foundation member.

2. The charging station mounting device of claim 1, wherein the foundation member, when assembled, has the general form of a hollow cylinder, each one of the first and the second main parts having the general form of a half cylinder; and wherein each one of the first and the second main parts comprises a connection flange for securing the first and the second main parts together.

3. (canceled)

4. The charging station mounting device of claim 1, wherein each one of the first and the second main parts comprises a plurality of external, axial strengthening ribs and a plurality of external, radial strengthening ribs; and wherein each one of the first and the second main parts comprises a plurality of internal, axial strengthening ribs and a plurality of internal, radial strengthening ribs.

5. (canceled)

6. The charging station mounting device of claim 1, wherein the foundation member has the form of a hollow cylinder with a base, the base having a greater radial dimension than the cylinder, such that the base acts to hinder the charging station mounting device from moving when installed; and wherein the base has the form of a polygon.

7. The charging station mounting device of claim 1, wherein the first and the second main parts are of the same shape; and wherein the first and the second main parts are manufactured by injection moulding.

8. (canceled)

9. The charging station mounting device of claim 7, wherein the first and the second main parts are made of plastic material comprising polypropylene (PP).

10. The charging station mounting device of claim 9, wherein the plastic material comprises rubber.

11. The charging station mounting device of claim 10, wherein the rubber is a blend of polypropylene (PP) and ethylene propylene diene terpolymer (PP-EPDM).

12. The charging station mounting device of claim 1, further comprising an anchoring bar; wherein the foundation member comprises means for holding respective ends of the anchoring bar.

13. The changing station mounting device of claim 12, wherein the first main part and the second main part are adapted to hold the respective ends of the anchoring bar between them when assembled.

14. The charging station mounting device of claim 13, wherein the first main part and the second main part, when assembled, form bar holders that hold the anchoring bar between the first main part and the second main part.

15. The charging station mounting device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first main part and the second main part comprises a support interface for protection unit receivers that are adapted to hold a protection unit.

16. The charging station mounting device of claim 4, wherein the foundation member comprises: a base; a rim having an upper surface that forms a top edge of the foundation member; and a wall on which the strengthening ribs are formed; wherein the rim is solid and has a greater thickness than the wall.

17. The charging station mounting device of claim 4, wherein a peripheral top edge portion of the foundation member comprises an annular recess that receives the adapter element, and wherein the internal, axial strengthening ribs comprise upper ends that lie flush with the annular recess, such that the internal, axial strengthening ribs provide additional support to the adapter element.

18. The charging station mounting device of claim 1, wherein the foundation member comprises a plurality of entry openings or holes for receiving an electric cable and/or cable pipe from a side of the charging station mounting device.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] In the following, embodiments of prior art and of the invention will be described with reference to non-limiting examples shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0044] FIG. 1 is a schematic view from above showing a prior art system for charging of electric vehicles;

[0045] FIG. 2 is a side view of a prior art system installed below ground;

[0046] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a prior art device for mounting of a charging pole;

[0047] FIG. 4 is a top view of the device of FIG. 3;

[0048] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view in perspective of the cross-section along the line V-V shown in FIG. 4;

[0049] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the mounting device also shown in FIGS. 3-5;

[0050] FIG. 7 is a top view of a prior art mounting device;

[0051] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view in perspective of the cross-section along the line VIII-VIII in FIG. 7;

[0052] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a prior art cover member;

[0053] FIG. 10 shows a cross-sectional view in perspective of another prior art device for mounting of a charging pole;

[0054] FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 3 provided with a protection unit;

[0055] FIG. 12 shows a cross-sectional view of the device shown in FIG. 11;

[0056] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a foundation member of a device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0057] FIG. 14 is a top view of the foundation member of FIG. 13;

[0058] FIG. 15 is an exploded view of the foundation member of FIG. 13; and

[0059] FIG. 16 shows the foundation member of FIG. 13 with an attached support means for a protection unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] FIG. 1 shows four charging poles 1a-d (also known as charging stations) for electric vehicles mounted to ground at a pavement 2 using a system known from WO2012101266A2. An electric vehicle 3 is parked next to one of the poles/stations 1d and is connected to the pole 1 such that batteries (not shown) of the vehicle 3 can be charged. In order to supply electricity to the charging poles 1a-d and the vehicle 3, the poles 1a-d are connected to a grid connection 4 by four connection cables 5a-d installed below ground, preferably protected by conventional cable pipes (not shown) commonly used for underground cable installation.

[0061] FIG. 2 shows a system also known from WO2012101266A2 installed in ground 6. A charging pole 1 is mounted to ground using a mounting device 7a known from the same publication. The charging pole 1 is connected to a grid connection (not shown) through a cable 5 provided through the mounting device 7a. As shown, the system comprises a plurality of mounting devices 7a-c installed below ground 6, but only one of them 7a is currently used for mounting a charging pole 1 to ground 6. When needed, additional charging poles may easily be attached to the remaining mounting devices 7b-c without any need of excessive construction work, i.e. without digging up the street/ground 6 again. When installing the system, cables 5 and/or cable pipes 8 are connected to each mounting device 7a-c, such that it is easy to provide electricity to charging poles subsequently mounted to the mounting devices 7a-c of the system. The inner space below ground in each mounting device 7a-c makes it possible to fit an extra length of cable 5 below ground and to post-install a cable through a cable pipe 8 connected to the mounting device 7a-c during installation of the system.

[0062] Since no part of the mounting devices 7a-c protrudes above ground level 6 at each respective mounting device 7a-c, the system does not obstruct normal use of the pavement, street or other surface where it is installed. Hence, people can walk and drive normally on the ground level 6 where the system is installed, whilst at the same time the surface is left visually appealing. Further, since an installed system does not involve any negative practical or aesthetic side effects, there is no hurry to attach charging poles to the site. By this system, purchasing and installation of charging poles may be postponed until demand for charging of vehicles rises, thereby reducing cost and financial risk of the deployment of such infrastructure. Thereby it is easy and inexpensive to post-install charging poles to the system.

[0063] FIGS. 3-6 show one of the prior art mounting devices 7 of FIG. 2 next to a charging pole 1 ready to be mounted to ground using the mounting device 7. The mounting device 7 comprises a substantially hollow cylindrical foundation member 9, preferably made of concrete, and anchoring means 10 by which the charging pole 1 is mountable to the foundation member 9. The anchoring means 10 comprises a detachable adapter element 11 configured to fit the charging pole 1 to the foundation member 9.

[0064] A first portion 12 of the detachable adapter element 11 fits with the foundation member 9 and a second portion 13 fits with the charging pole 1. The peripheral top edge portion 9a of the foundation member 9 has a circular or annular recess 9b which matches and receives the peripheral portion 11a of the adapter element 11 in a close fit. The depth of the annual recess 9b corresponds to the thickness of the adapter element 11 such that the top surface of the same is substantially flush with the annular top surface of the top edge portion 9a of the foundation member 9.

[0065] The first portion 12 is provided with coupling means comprising an aperture or a hole 14 configured to receive a bolt 15 for securing the adapter element 11 to the foundation member 9. An anchoring bar 16 is molded into the foundation member 9 for receiving the bolt 15 in a hole 25, and a threaded element 17 is provided by the anchoring bar 16 for engagement with the bolt 15. The bolt 15 is centrally located in the mounting device 7, such that the adapter element 11 can be rotated and subsequently fixed to hold the charging pole 1 in a desired position. Further, the anchoring bar 16 may have bent ends for stronger engagement with the foundation member 9.

[0066] The second portion is provided with coupling means comprising four threaded holes 26a-d configured to receive bolts (not shown) for securing the mounting pole 1 to the adapter element 11 through four corresponding holes of the charging pole.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 5, the prior art foundation member 9 has a plurality of entry openings or holes 18 for receiving an electric cable and/or cable pipe from the side of the mounting device. An electric cable 19 (shown in part with dashed lines) may be introduced into the mounting device through one of the entry holes 18 and connected to the charging pole through the inner space of the foundation member 9. An advantage of these entry holes 18 is that during installation of mounting devices 7 one does not have to dig as deep in order to be able to fit the cable or cable pipe into the mounting device 7. Of course, the entry holes 18 could be provided through the bottom of the foundation member 9 but then one would have to dig deeper to fit the cable 19 or cable pipe. Further, since there is a plurality of entry holes 18, more cables may be introduced into the mounting device 7 and from several directions. Thus, a main cable may be coupled to the mounting devices, one after the other, wherein power may be taken from the main cable at each respective mounting device for providing power to charging poles through an additional length of cable. If cables are installed like this, the total length of cable needed for connecting the system to a grid connection may be somewhat reduced as opposed to using a separate cable for each respective mounting pole stretching all the way from the grid connection to the respective pole. Alternatively, the entry holes 18 are used for connecting mounting devices 7 via cable pipes for subsequent installation of one or more cables through the cable pipes.

[0068] The design of the charging pole and its foot or base varies depending on the choice of charging pole provider and pole model. Therefore, the upper portion of the adapter element 11 should be designed accordingly to provide suitable coupling means for coupling the charging pole 1 to the adapter element 11.

[0069] The coupling means between the foundation member 9 and the adapter element 11 are designed such that, when the charging pole is forcefully rotated and moved, for example when hit by a car, the adapter element and/or the coupling means deforms and/or breaks without damaging or disrupting the functionality of the foundation member 9.

[0070] FIGS. 7 and 8 show a mounting device 107 according to a second prior art embodiment. This embodiment is similar to the previously described prior art mounting device 7 and therefore like reference numerals are increased by one hundred for easier recognition, for example 107 instead of 7, etc. A difference with respect to the previously described embodiment is the design of the anchoring means for attaching the charging pole to the foundation member 9. Here, a central passage 120 is provided through the anchoring means 110, such that rotation of the charging pole/adapter element 11/111 will not cause the cable 5 to be cut or damaged between the anchoring bar 116 and the adapter element 111. The anchoring bar 116 is provided with a central hole 121 through which the cable 5 to the charging pole passes, and a matching central hole 122 is provided through a mounting plate 123 of the adapter element 111. The mounting plate 123 is freely rotatable relatively the rest of the adapter element 111, and may thus be secured to the anchoring bar 116 without preventing adjustability during mounting of a charging pole. Two bolts 115 are provided to hold the attachment plate to the anchoring bar 116 and keep them from relative rotation.

[0071] In yet another prior art embodiment another type of anchoring bar 216 is provided, as shown in FIG. 10. The anchoring bar 216 has the shape of a straight bar which may be provided with a hollow core, which leads to lower manufacturing cost and less material consumption. Between the two ends of the bar 216, there are three holes 225a-c each of which may receive a bolt 215 when engaging an adapter element 11; 111; 211 to the foundation member 9. In FIG. 10 an adapter element 211 similar to the adapter element 11 shown in FIG. 5 is used. This adapter element 11 is provided with a first element 12 which, in this case, includes one hole 14 (reference numeral 214 in FIG. 10) somewhere in the middle of the first element 12, which corresponds to the hole 225b of the bar 216, for receiving a bolt 215 when mounting the adapter element 211 to the foundation member 9. Since the bar 216 shown in FIG. 10 is provided with more than one hole it is also adapted for receiving the type of mounting plate 123 shown in FIG. 8 which includes, in this case, two possible attachment holes 125, disposed one on each side of the central hole 122, which corresponds to the two holes 225a, 225c of the bar 216. At one end of the threaded holes 225a-c a threaded element 217, which is a protrusion extending in a direction away from the anchoring bar 216, is arranged for anchoring the bolt 215 to the anchoring bar 216.

[0072] In other embodiments, the adapter element could be secured to the foundation member by other means than a bolt, such as by welding, adhering, or snap locking (not shown). Releasable engagement is preferred since it allows the adapter element to be temporarily removed to allow it to be modified for fitting a certain type of charging pole or for mending it if it has been damaged. Alternatively, it may be replaced by another adapter element of the same type or of a different type (not shown).

[0073] In the above described prior art embodiments, the foundation member 9 is provided with first coupling means, namely the anchoring bar 16; 116; 216 for engagement with a second coupling means of the adapter element 11; 111; 211, namely the mounting plate 123 and/or the bolt(s) 15; 115; 215. It should be understood that the skilled person may provide other coupling means for joining the adapter element 11; 111; 211 to the foundation member 9.

[0074] The modularity due to the provision of an adapter element 11; 111; 211 is of advantage since it allows any type of charging pole to be attached to the foundation member 9 without a substantial redesign or exchange of the mounting device. Thereby, the risk of an installed mounting device becoming obsolete is greatly reduced, effectively reducing the risk of investing in deployment of infrastructure for charging of electric vehicles.

[0075] The adapter element 11; 111; 211 is detachable such that it may be removed and optionally exchanged. Hence, an advantage of the system is that it enables easy post installation of charging poles 1 at a low cost.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 9, a cover member 24 may be provided for covering an upper portion of the foundation member 9 when no adapter element is present, such as by initial installation of a system when the number of installed mounting devices 7, 107 exceeds the number of installed charging poles 1. The cover member 24 is adapted to the foundation member 9 such that it covers inner space of the foundation member 9 to which the adapter element is supposed to fit. Thus, people can walk and drive normally on the ground level 6 where the system is installed. Also, sensitive parts inside the mounting device are protected from dirt and rain, for example electric cables that might be present. Extra protection may be provided by providing sealing means between the foundation member 9 and the cover member 24. In the basic embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the cover member is a circular plate but in other embodiments, it may be provided with attachment means for attachment to the foundation member 9, such as snap locking means or means for rotational interlocking with the foundation member 9.

[0077] In a prior art embodiment known from WO2012101266A2, shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, a protection unit 300 is provided around the charging pole 1 for protection of the pole 1 from being hit by vehicles 3. The protection unit 300 may comprise an upper ring 310 for surrounding the pole 1, and four legs 320a-d extending along at least a portion of the extension of the pole 1, attaching the ring 310 to the adapter element 11 by means of additional holes, welds or other fastening means (not shown). The ring 310 and the four legs 320a-d may be made of any suitable material such as plastic, rubber or metal and may also be made as a solid or a hollow part.

[0078] An advantage of the adapter element 11 is thus that a protection unit 300, or the like, for protection of the charging pole 1 may be attached to the adapter element 11. Thus, if the protection unit 300 or charging pole 1 is hit by a vehicle 3, damage to the mounting device 7 is limited to the protection unit 300 and/or adapter element 11. Typically, only the adapter element 11 will need to be replaced after such an accident and not the whole mounting device 7.

[0079] Thus, the mounting device 7 provides lower overall maintenance cost of the infrastructure system, and also higher availability in terms of number of fully functioning charging poles 1, since replacement of the adapter element 11 can be made quickly without digging up, mending or replacing the foundation member 9.

[0080] The prior art system may be installed at a site by performing the following method steps: [0081] providing a recess in ground, [0082] providing a plurality of mounting devices 7; 107 according to the invention in said recess, [0083] providing means for electrical connection to the mounting devices, for example by connecting cable pipes 8, and optionally cables 5, to the entry holes 18 of the mounting devices 7; 107, and [0084] restoring ground 6 at said site such that no part of the mounting devices 7, 107 protrudes above ground level, for example by filling the recess with dirt and gravel.

[0085] Then either a cover member 24 or an adapter element 11; 111; 211 is provided at each respective mounting device 7; 107, depending on if a charging pole 1 is to be initially installed at the mounting device 7; 107 or not. By providing the recess, the mounting devices 7; 107 are positioned deep enough not to protrude above desired ground level.

[0086] Finally, a protection unit 300 may be mounted if there has been an adapter element 11; 111; 211 and a charging pole 1 have been installed.

[0087] As previously mentioned, a system according to WO2012101266A2 permits convenient and inexpensive post installation of charging poles 1. A charging pole 1 may be mounted to a mounting device 7 by performing the following method steps: [0088] providing access to the anchoring means 10 of the mounting device 7 providing an adapter element 11 for fitting the charging pole 1 to the foundation member, [0089] providing for electric supply to the charging pole by means of a cable 5 or cable pipe 8 of the foundation system, and [0090] securing the charging pole 1 to the mounting device 7 by means of the anchoring means 10.

[0091] Access to the anchoring means 10 may be provided by removing the cover member 24, if present, and/or uncovering the mounting device 7, if covered by paving or the like.

[0092] In one aspect, the invention provides a device for mounting of a charging pole 1, preferably for an electrically powered or hybrid vehicle, said device 7; 107 comprising: [0093] (a) a foundation member 9 configured to be installed below ground level 6, [0094] (b) anchoring means 10 by which the charging pole 1 is mountable to the foundation member 9, [0095] wherein said anchoring means 10 comprises a detachable adapter element 11; 111; 211 configured to fit the charging pole 1 to the foundation member 9.

[0096] In a second aspect, there is provided a device according to the first aspect, wherein the adapter element 11; 111; 211 is mounted to the foundation member 9 below the top edge 9a of the foundation member 9.

[0097] In a third aspect, there is provided a device according to the second aspect, wherein the foundation member 9 is hollow, and wherein the mounting of the adapter element 11; 111; 211 is disposed within the interior of the foundation member 9.

[0098] In a fourth aspect, the foundation member 9 is provided with first coupling means 16, 17; 116, 17; 216, 17 for engagement with a second coupling means 15; 115, 123; 215 of the adapter element 11; 111; 211.

[0099] In a fifth aspect, there is provided a device according to the fourth aspect, wherein the first 16, 17; 116, 17; 216, 17 and second 15; 115, 123; 215 coupling means comprise a protrusion 5, 15 and a matching recess 25, 125 for jointly controlling relative movement between the foundation member 9 and the adapter element 11; 111; 211.

[0100] In a sixth aspect, the adapter element 11; 111; 211 is provided with third coupling means 26 for engagement with fourth coupling means of the charging pole 1.

[0101] In a seventh aspect, there is provided a device according to the sixth aspect, wherein the third 26 and fourth coupling means comprise a protrusion and a matching recess for jointly controlling relative movement between the adapter element 11; 111; 211 and the charging pole 1.

[0102] In an eight aspect, a passageway 27 for a cable is provided through the foundation member 9.

[0103] In a ninth aspect, the device further comprising a protection unit 300 attached to the adapter element 11; 111; 211.

[0104] In a tenth aspect, there is provided a device according to the ninth aspect, wherein the protection unit 300 is arranged around the charging pole 1 extending along at least a portion of the charging pole 1.

[0105] In an eleventh aspect, there is provided a device for mounting of a charging pole 1, preferably for an electrically powered or hybrid vehicle, said device 7; 107 comprising: [0106] (a) a foundation member 9 configured to be installed below ground level 6, [0107] (b) anchoring means 10 by which the charging pole 1 is mountable to the foundation member 9, and [0108] (c) a cover member 24 for covering upwardly open spaces of the mounting device 7, 107.

[0109] In a twelfth aspect, there is provided a device according to the eleventh aspect, wherein said cover member 24 is configured to protect the open spaces from rain water.

[0110] In a thirteenth aspect, there is provided a foundation system for charging poles 1, preferably for electrically powered or hybrid vehicles, comprising a plurality of mounting devices 7; 107 according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein each mounting device 7; 107 is prepared for electrical supply by means of one or more cables 5 or cable pipes 8 installed in ground 6.

[0111] In a fourteenth aspect, there is provided a method of installing a foundation system according to the thirteenth aspect, comprising the steps of: [0112] providing at least one recess in ground 6, [0113] providing a plurality of mounting devices 7; 107 in said at least one recess, [0114] providing means for electrical supply 5, 8 to the mounting devices, and [0115] restoring ground 6 at said site such that no part of the mounting devices protrudes above ground level.

[0116] In a fifteenth aspect, there is provided a method of installing a charging pole 1 to a foundation system according to the thirteenth aspect, comprising the steps of: [0117] providing access to the anchoring means 10 of the respective mounting device 7; 107, [0118] providing an adapter element 11; 111; 211 for fitting the charging pole 1 to the foundation member 9, [0119] providing electric supply to the charging pole 1 by means of a cable 5 or cable pipe 8 already provided at the mounting device 7; 107, and [0120] securing the charging pole 1 to the mounting device by means of the anchoring means 10.

[0121] In a sixteenth aspect, there is provided a method according to the fourteenth or fifteenth aspect, further comprising the step of providing the adapter element 11; 111; 211 with a protection unit 300.

[0122] Turning now to FIGS. 13-16, the present invention provides charging station mounting device, which may alternatively be referred to as a charging pole mounting device, that is based on the same general idea as has been described with reference to FIGS. 1-12 and in WO2012101266A2. However, the charging station mounting device comprises a two-part foundation member 409 as is illustrated in FIGS. 13-16. The device further comprises an anchoring means 10; 110 with a detachable adapter element 11; 111; 211 configured to fit the charging station to the foundation member 409 as has been described in the above prior art embodiments.

[0123] As has been mentioned, the skilled person may provide other coupling means for joining the adapter element 11; 111; 211 to the foundation member 9; 409 than those described above. Thus, for example, the anchoring bar 16; 116; 216; 416 is optional.

[0124] FIG. 13 shows an embodiment of the two-part foundation member 409 of the present invention true to scale, i.e. FIG. 13 is an accurate representation of the two-part foundation member 409 in one embodiment. The two-part foundation member 409 comprises a first main part 409′, a second main part 409″. The charging station mounting device further comprises connection means 450 connecting the main parts 409′, 409″ to each other and an anchoring bar 416.

[0125] The two-part foundation member 409, when installed, has the general form of a standing cylindrical structure 430 with a base 440. The height of the foundation member 409 is approximately 1.5 times the width of the foundation member 409.

[0126] The cylindrical structure 430 comprises a cylindrical wall 432 with a plurality of external, axial strengthening ribs 434 and external, radial strengthening ribs 435. In this example, there are also internal, axial strengthening ribs 436 and internal, radial strengthening ribs 437.

[0127] The strengthening ribs 434, 435, 436, 437 form external and internal strengthening grids on the cylindrical wall 432. The cylindrical wall 432 extends from the base 440 up (as seen when installed) to a to rim 438. The rim 438 is solid and has a greater thickness than the cylindrical wall 432. The external, axial strengthening ribs 434 extend from the base 440 to the rim 438. The upper surface of the rim 438 forms the top edge of the two-part foundation member 409.

[0128] The external strengthening grid 434, 435 will after installation of the charging station mounting device be filled with filling masses, such as macadam, and effectively act to hinder the two-part foundation member 409, and thus the charging station mounting device, from moving in the ground.

[0129] The base 440 that has a greater radial dimension than the cylindrical structure will also act to hinder the charging station mounting device from mowing in the ground. In this embodiment, the base 440 has the form of a polygon as seen from above, more particularly a square, which improves the ability of the base 440 to hinder the charging station mounting device from rotating when installed under ground.

[0130] The internal, axial strengthening ribs 436 preferably, as shown in this embodiment, have upper ends that lie flush with the recess 409b, such that the internal, axial strengthening ribs 436 provide additional support to the adapter element 11.

[0131] The main parts 409′, 409″ respectively comprise a connection flange 439 with a number of axially distanced through holes by means of which the connection means 450, in this embodiment a bolt and nut assemblies, secure the connection flanges and thus the main parts 409′, 409″ to each other. In other embodiment (not shown) the connection means 450 may e.g. be formed by snap locking means such as metal or plastic clamps.

[0132] FIGS. 14 and 15 show top and exploded views of the two-part foundation member 409 with the first main part 409′ and the second main part 409″. The optional anchoring bar 416 is also shown. The first main part 409′ and the second main part 409″ both comprise an optional bar holder 460 for the anchoring bar 416. More precisely, there is a first bar holder portion 460′ and a second bar holder portion 460″ formed in the first and second main part 409′, 409″, respectively. When the first main part 409′ and the second main part 409″ are assembled (FIGS. 13 and 14) the respective ends of the anchoring bar 416 are held by the bar holders 460 of the first and second main parts 409′, 409″. The bar holders 460 have the form of two radially opposing and inwards (towards the interior of the cylindrical structure 430) open boxes, when the first and second main parts 409′, 409″ are assembled. Each bar holder 460 is formed in the standing cylindrical structure 430, as is shown e.g. in FIG. 13.

[0133] Preferably, the bar holders 460 are dimensioned such that the anchoring bar 416 is firmly clamped by the bar holders 460. The cross-section of the bar holders 460 when assembled, as seen in the radial direction, may correspond to the outer dimension of the anchoring bar 416. In the present embodiment of the two-part foundation member 409, the cross-section of the bar holders 460 is slightly smaller than the anchoring bar 416. The anchoring bar 416 is of the same type as the anchoring bar 216 shown in FIG. 10.

[0134] FIG. 16 shows the two-part foundation member 409 of FIG. 13 with an attached support means 475 for a protection unit. The two-part foundation member 409 comprises a support interface 470 for fitting the support means 475 thereto. In this embodiment, the support interface 470 has been realised as through-holes with surrounding abutment surfaces, as is shown in FIG. 16. The support means 475 comprises an abutment plate 476 that is adapted to lie against the abutment surfaces of the support interface 470. The abutment plate 476 comprises through-openings that math the through-holes of the support interface 470. In the present example, there are two through-openings in the abutment plate 476 and two through-holes in each one of the first and second main part 409′, 409″.

[0135] The support means 475 comprises a bracket structure 477 that connects two protection unit receivers 479 to the abutment plate 476. The protection unit receivers 479 are connected to each other at their lowermost ends by a cross bar 478. As seen from above, the bracket structure 477 and the cross bar 478 form a triangle, with the abutment plate 476 arranged in one corner of the triangle that points towards the two-part foundation member 409, and the two protection unit receivers 479 arranged in the two other corners of the triangle.

[0136] The protection unit receivers 479 are adapted to receive the legs of a protection unit. In this embodiment, the protection unit receivers 479 are hollow, circular cylinders each having an upper through-hole for a lock screw. A protection unit is not shown in FIG. 16, but a suitable protection unit may correspond to the protection unit 300 shown in FIG. 11, but with its legs and dimensions being modified to fit the protection unit receivers 479. Preferably, each one of the first and second main part 409′, 409″ is furnished with a support means 475, such that four legs of a protection unit can be securely supported by the two-part foundation member 409.

[0137] The first and second main part 409′, 409″ are in this embodiment of equal shape. They are manufactured from plastic material, more precisely recycled plastic material, preferably 100% recycled plastic material.

[0138] The plastic material is in this embodiment a mixture of PP (polypropylene) and synthetic rubber. More precisely, the material is a mixture of PP and PP-EPDM (ethylene propylene diene terpolymer). PP-EPDM is a blend of PP and unvulcanised EPDM, also called ethylene propylene rubber. The anchoring bar 416 is made of metal, more precisely galvanized steel.

[0139] The entry openings or holes 418 for receiving the electric cable and/or cable pipe have rounded edges, which reduces any wear on the cables/pipes. Also, the plastic material involves the advantage of lower wear, as compared to a concrete foundation member.

[0140] The plastic two-part foundation member 409 provides a long-lasting support for the protection unit, especially when two-part foundation member 409 is made of mixture of PP and PP-EPDM. Should the protection unit be subject to an impact, the plastic two-part foundation member 409 provides resistance to cracking.

[0141] The provision of the bracket structure 477 that distances the protection unit receivers 479 from the support interface 470 and is buried, thus fixed, under ground further improves the support for the protection unit.

[0142] For the sake of legibility and reducing the reference numerals in FIGS. 13 to 16, not all features of the two main parts 409′, 409″ have not been provided with prime and double prime symbols. As is understood, however, there could be denoted a first main part connection flange 439′ and a second main part connection frame 439″, a first main part base 440′ and a second main part base 440″, and so on.