CHARGING STATION FOR CHARGING ELECTRIC VEHICLES

Abstract

The invention relates to a charging station for charging electric vehicles which comprises an electric charging cable and a spring element. The spring element is secured at one end and is resiliently movable at the other end. The charging station is characterised in particular in that the spring element at least partially supports the electric charging cable.

Claims

1-15. (canceled)

16. Charging station for charging electric vehicles, comprising an electric charging cable and a spring element which is fixed at one end and which is resiliently movable at another end, wherein the spring element at least partially supports the electric charging cable.

17. Charging station according to claim 16, wherein the spring element partially surrounds the electrical charging cable.

18. Charging station according to claim 16, wherein the spring member supports the electrical charging cable in a relaxed state such that the electrical charging cable does not contact a bottom surface.

19. Charging station according to claim 16, wherein the spring element is arranged at its one end on a technical unit.

20. Charging station according to claim 19, wherein the technical unit comprises at least one of the following components: cooling device, controller, DC-DC converter, contactor and relay.

21. Charging station according to claim 19, wherein the technical unit is fixed under a bottom surface or behind a wall surface.

22. Charging station according to claim 16, wherein the charging station comprises a direct current charging station, which is in particular connected to a direct current line.

23. Charging station according to claim 16, wherein the electrical charging cable comprises a connector, and the charging station comprises a connector mounting for removably holding the connector.

24. Charging station according to claim 16, wherein the charging station comprises a status display.

25. Charging station according to claim 16, wherein the status display is arranged at the other end of the spring element.

26. Charging station according to claim 16, wherein the charging station comprises a wireless communication means.

27. Charging station according to claim 26, wherein the wireless communication means is arranged at the other end of the spring element.

28. Charging station according to claim 16, wherein the spring element comprises a coil spring.

29. Charging station according to claim 16, wherein the spring element has at least two different pitches.

30. Charging station according to claim 16, wherein the spring element is surrounded by a flexible protective sleeve.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Examples of embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the drawings and the following description. The following shows:

[0020] FIG. 1, an embodiment of a charging station according to the invention and

[0021] FIG. 2, another example of a charging station according to the invention.

EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0022] FIG. 1 shows a charging station 100 for charging an electric vehicle. The charging station 100 includes an electrical charging cable 102, a helical compression spring 104, and a technical unit 106. The technical unit 106 is recessed into or disposed below a bottom surface 108. The helical compression spring 104 is attached by means of a flange 110 to a side surface of the technical unit 106 that is parallel to or flush with the bottom surface 108. As a result, the helical compression spring 104 protrudes perpendicularly or vertically from the bottom surface 108. The flange 110 is attached to the side surface with several fastening screws. The electrical charging cable 102 is routed through the flange 110 and electrically connected inside the technical unit 106. The helical compression spring 104 is about 1100 to 1500 mm long and has a diameter of about 65 mm; the charging cable 102 is disposed in the inner coil diameter of the helical compression spring 104. The charging cable 102 has a length of 2200 to 3000 mm, so it is guided essentially halfway along its length in the helical compression spring 104. At another end of the helical compression spring 104, the charging cable 102 is exposed. The helical compression spring 104 is dimensioned with respect to the charging cable 102, particularly with respect to pitch, length, and spring stiffness, such that the charging cable 102 is vertically supported in a rest position of the helical compression spring 104 and does not rest on the floor surface 108.

[0023] The helical compression spring 104 is surrounded by a flexible protective sleeve 114 that protects the helical compression spring 104 from environmental influences, contamination, and damage.

[0024] A direct current charging connector 112 is disposed at a free end of the charging cable 102. In a rest position of the helical compression spring 104, the direct current charging connector 112 is removably retained by a mounting bracket 116. The mounting bracket 116 is attached to the protective sleeve 114 or the helical compression spring 104 at a distance of about 664 to about 1179 mm from the bottom surface 108.

[0025] For a charging process, a user grabs the direct current charging connector 112, removes it from the mounting bracket 116, pulls on the direct current charging connector 112 in the direction of the electric vehicle, then stretches a free part of the charging cable 102, pulls further and resiliently deforms the helical compression spring 104, wherein the other end of the helical compression spring 104 together with the charging cable 102 arranged therein inclines further in the direction of the electric vehicle and thus bridges a distance between the charging station 100 and the electric vehicle. After the charging process, the user can easily guide the direct current charging plug 112 back towards the charging station 100, wherein the tensioned helical compression spring 104 supports the charging cable 102 and assists the user by means of a restoring force.

[0026] The charging station 100 further includes a cylindrical status light 118 having a diameter of 150 mm disposed at the other end of the helical compression spring 104 and including one or more visual indication means, such as omnidirectional lights and displays, to indicate an availability, a fault, an ongoing charging process and/or a completed charging process. Further, the charging station 100 comprises a WLAN-unit integrated in the status light 118 and adapted to wirelessly transmit information about the status of the charging station 100, details of a charging process and the like to a smartphone of the user or to the electric vehicle.

[0027] The elevation of the charging cable 102 facilitates the operation of the cable, as the helical compression spring 104 takes some of the weight of the cable. Thus, easier handling for guiding the charging cable 102 is achieved. Due to the compact dimensions of the helical compression spring 104 and status light 118, the charging station 100 takes up little space in a public area and the charging cable 102 can be routed closer to the electric vehicle. Furthermore, the compact dimensions allow free positioning of the charging cable 102 in public spaces. By separating the underground technical unit 106 and the aboveground components, such as the charging cable 102 and helical compression spring 104, no live circuitry can be exposed if the spring is run over or torn out. This increases operational safety; an emergency stop switch is no longer required. The charging station 100 also has a higher level of protection against vandalism than conventional charging stations, since essentially only the charging cable 102 and the helical compression spring 104 can be disconnected, making theft unattractive due to the short length of the cable. Spraying or painting is uninteresting due to the small surface area. Also, trash cannot be easily placed on the charging station 100. The small space required of the charging station 100 also makes it easy to retrofit in public spaces, parking garages and underground garages.

[0028] FIG. 2 shows a charging station 200 attached to a parking garage wall 202. A technical unit 204, similar to the technical unit 106 in FIG. 1, is arranged behind the parking garage wall 202, i.e. concealed.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0029] 100 Charging station [0030] 102 Electrical cable [0031] 104 Helical compression spring [0032] 106 Technical unit [0033] 108 Bottom surface [0034] 110 Flange [0035] 112 Direct current charging connector [0036] 114 Protective sleeve [0037] 116 Mounting bracket [0038] 118 Status light [0039] 200 Charging station [0040] 202 Parking garage wall [0041] 204 Technical unit