CHARGING POLE

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for generating and delivering charging current for an electric vehicle in a charging pole with the method steps of registering a first initial process, evaluating the first initial process, starting the charging process depending on the evaluation result, wherein the first initial process is different from a start command of a user for starting a charging process, and a charging pole for carrying out the method.

Claims

1. A method for generating and delivering charging current (100) for an electric vehicle (10) in a charging pole (1) register (200) a first initial process evaluate (300) the first initial process start of charging process (400) depending on evaluation result characterised in that the first initial process (200) is different from a start command of a user to start a charging process (400).

2. The method for generating and delivering charging current (100) for an electric vehicle (10) in a charging pole (1) according to claim 1 characterised in that the first initial process (200) is the reception of a sensor signal.

3. The method for generating and delivering charging current (100) for an electric vehicle (10) in a charging pole (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the sensor signal is evaluated (300) by a control unit (9) in the charging pole.

4. The method for generating and delivering charging current (100) for an electric vehicle (10) in a charging pole (1) according to claim 1 characterised in that the first initial process (200) is performed by a first input from a user.

5. The method for generating and delivering charging current (100) for an electric vehicle (10) in a charging pole (1) according to claim 4 characterised in that the first input of the user is made by a first input at an element (6.1, 6.2, 6.3) of the charging pole (1).

6. The method for generating and delivering charging current (100) for an electric vehicle (10) in a charging pole (1) according to claim 5 characterised in that the user's first input at an element (6.1, 6.2, 6.3) of the charging pole (1) is made by a first input at the control panel (6).

7. The method for generating and delivering charging current (100) for an electric vehicle (10) in a charging pole (1) according to claim 4 characterised in that the first input of the user is made by removing and/or connecting a charging cable (8).

8. The method for generating and delivering charging current (100) for an electric vehicle (10) in a charging pole (1) according to claim 4 characterised in that the user's first input is via a network to the charging pole (1).

9. The method for generating and delivering charging current (100) for an electric vehicle (10) in a charging pole (1) according to claim 8 characterised in that the first entry of the user is made by a pre-registration of the user via app/internet.

10. The method for generating and delivering charging current (100) for an electric vehicle (10) in a charging pole (1) according to claim 1 characterised in that the first initial process (200) is performed by detecting a vehicle in the charging location.

11. The method for generating and delivering charging current (100) for an electric vehicle (10) in a charging pole (1) according to claim 1 characterised in that the first initial process (200) is performed by authenticating the user.

12. The method for generating and delivering charging current (100) for an electric vehicle (10) in a charging pole (1) according to claim 1 characterised in that the start of the charging process (400) comprises a wake-up (350) from stand-by mode.

13. The method for generating and delivering charging current (100) for an electric vehicle (10) in a charging pole (1) according to claim 1 characterised in that the start of the charging process (400) comprises starting the energy conversion.

14. The method for generating and delivering charging current (100) for an electric vehicle (10) in a charging pole (1) according to claim 1 characterised in that the start of the charging process (400) comprises a transfer of energy to an electric vehicle (10).

15. A charging pole (1) suitable and intended for charging electric vehicles (10), comprising an energy conversion unit (3) a power and HMI unit (2) a control unit (9) for controlling the charging process (400) characterised in that the charging pole (1) has a sensor unit (4).

16. The charging pole (1) suitable and intended for charging electric vehicles (10) according to claim 15 characterised in that the sensor unit (4) is coupled to the control unit (9) in the charging pole (1).

17. The charging pole (1) suitable and intended for charging electric vehicles (10) according to claim 15 characterised in that the sensor unit (4) is suitable for detecting a vehicle (10) on a charging location assigned to the charging pole (1).

18. The charging pole (1) suitable and intended for charging electric vehicles (10) according to one or more of claims 15 characterised in that the sensor unit (4) is adapted to detect the removal and/or connection of a charging cable (8).

Description

[0036] Examples of embodiments of the method for charging electric vehicles according to the invention and of the charging pole according to the invention are shown schematically in simplified form in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description.

[0037] Showing:

[0038] FIG. 1: An embodiment of the method for generating and delivering charging current for an electric vehicle according to the invention.

[0039] FIG. 2: Another example of the method for generating and delivering charging current for an electric vehicle according to the invention; first initial process is registered by means of a charging cable.

[0040] FIG. 3: A further embodiment of the method for generating and delivering charging current for an electric vehicle according to the invention; first initial process registered by means of authentication of a user by the display and operating terminal.

[0041] FIG. 4: Another example of the method for generating and delivering charging current for an electric vehicle according to the invention; first initial process registered by means of a user's customer device.

[0042] FIG. 5: A flowchart of an embodiment of the method for generating and delivering charging current for an electric vehicle according to the invention.

[0043] FIG. 6: A preferred variant of the method for generating and delivering charging current for an electric vehicle according to the invention

[0044] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the method 100 according to the invention, which registers the electric vehicle 10 to be charged by means of a sensor unit 4. The charging pole 1 has the power and HMI unit 2 and an energy conversion unit 3. The energy conversion unit 3 generates a primary charging current. Preferred is an energy conversion from a liquid and/or gaseous energy carrier into a charging current, e.g. by means of an internal combustion engine or a fuel cell. However, the energy conversion unit 3 can also be a solar cell that converts light into a current. It is also possible to generate a charging current by wind power. By means of the power and HMI unit 2, the amperage and voltage of the primary current is changed and, if necessary, an alternating current is converted into a direct current or vice versa.

[0045] The charging pole 1 is in stand-by mode between the individual charging processes. During this time, energy conversion in the energy conversion unit 3 does not take place or takes place only to such a limited extent that the power supply of the components arranged in the charging pole 1, such as sensor unit 4, control unit 9 and, if applicable, starting device of the energy conversion unit 3 or power and HMI unit 2, is guaranteed.

[0046] In this embodiment example, the sensor unit 4 has a close-range sensor 5.2 that detects the electric vehicle 10 at a distance of a few metres at a defined angle or in a full circle around the charging pole 1. This sensor 5.2 can be an ultrasonic, laser or radar sensor or also a camera, such as is installed in motor vehicles, e.g. for distance detection. Such a sensor 5.2 is therefore available and inexpensive. In addition, a camera 5.1 is arranged on the top of the charging pole 1 to detect a user and/or the electric vehicle 10 to be charged. A further sensor 5.3, an inductive loop, is arranged in the pavement of the charging location associated to the charging pole 1 and detects the electric vehicle 10 parked in the charging location. When the first initial process 200 is registered, the electric vehicle 10 to be charged is parked in the charging location associated to the charging pole 1. The electric vehicle 10 is located by means of the sensor unit 4 arranged in the charging pole

[0047] The sensor unit 4 is connected to the control unit 9. The control unit 9 evaluates 300 the first initial process 200 in this embodiment example in such a way that an arrival of an electric vehicle 10 to be charged at a charging location assigned to the charging pole 1 is registered. The charging process 400 is then started. First, the charging pole 1 is switched from the stand-by mode to a regular operating state by a wake-up 350. The energy conversion unit 3 is started and generates a charging current. A user gives a start command and can charge the electric vehicle 10 by means of the charging cable 8 arranged on the connection device 7. In the process, electrical energy is delivered from the charging pole 1 to the electric vehicle 10. After completion of the charging process 400, the charging pole 1 is returned to stand-by mode.

[0048] Another embodiment of the method according to the invention is shown in FIG. 2. The first initial process 200 is registered by the removal of the charging cable 8 from the connection device 7 by a user. The charging pole 1 has the power and HMI unit 2 and an energy conversion unit 3. The charging pole 1 is again in stand-by mode at the start of the process. To register the first initial process 200, the charging cable 8 is connected to the electric vehicle 10 to be charged, i.e. by means of a plug-in connection, the charging pole 1 and the electric vehicle 10 are connected by the charging cable 8.

[0049] In the next process step, the control unit 9 evaluates 300 this first initial process 200. For this purpose, charging parameters are transmitted from and received by both the charging pole 1 and the electric vehicle 10 via the charging cable 8. Depending on the charging parameters, the control unit 9 controls the following charging process 400. The charging parameters include in particular the current output (current intensity and current output) delivered by the charging pole 1 to the electric vehicle 10. The charging time can also be calculated and displayed to a user.

[0050] Furthermore, depending on the design of the charging pole 1 and the electric vehicle 10 to be charged, it can be evaluated 300 whether the electric vehicle 10 must be charged with alternating current or direct current. For example, the electric vehicle 10 to be charged may be equipped with a rectifier, which is determined by the control unit 9. In this case, the electric vehicle 10 is charged with an alternating current.

[0051] After the evaluation 300, the charging pole 1 is switched from stand-by mode to a regular operating state by a wake-up 350. The charging process 400 is then started. The energy conversion unit 3 is started and generates a charging current which is delivered to the electric vehicle 10. After completion of the charging process 400, the charging pole 1 is returned to stand-by mode.

[0052] FIG. 3 shows an embodiment example of the method 100 according to the invention, in which the first initial process 200 is registered by authentication of a user.

[0053] The charging pole 1 has the power and HMI unit 2 and an energy conversion unit 3. The charging pole 1 is in stand-by mode at the beginning of the process. To register the first initial process, a user makes a first entry into the display and operating terminal 6. In this embodiment, the display and operating terminal 6 has a keypad 6.2 with a fingerprint sensor 5.2, a sensor for facial recognition 5.1 and a card reader 6.3. The user authenticates himself using the display and operating terminal 6.

[0054] In the next process step, the control unit 9 evaluates 300 this first initial process 200. Depending on the charging parameters, the control unit 9 controls the following charging process 400. The charging parameters include, in particular, the current output (current intensity and current output) delivered by the charging pole 1 to the electric vehicle 10. The charging time can also be calculated and displayed to a user.

[0055] After the evaluation 300, the charging pole 1 is switched from stand-by mode to a regular operating state by a wake-up 350, the energy conversion unit 3 is started. The charging process 400 is then started by connecting the charging cable 8 to the electric vehicle 10 and the user giving a start command to start the charging process 400. The charging current generated by the charging pole 1 is delivered to the electric vehicle 10. After completion of the charging process 400, the charging pole 1 is returned to stand-by mode.

[0056] A further embodiment example of the method 100 according to the invention is shown in FIG. 4, in which the first initial process 200 is registered via a first input of a user into a customer device 11. In this embodiment, the first initial process 200 is a pre-registration of a user who wants to carry out a charging process at a charging pole 1 in a specific time window or at a specific time and at a specific location.

[0057] The charging pole 1 has the power and HMI unit 2 and an energy conversion unit 3. The charging pole 1 is in stand-by mode at the beginning of the process. For registration of the first initial process 200, a user makes a first input into the customer device 11, e.g. a smartphone, notebook, notepad, PC, which has a corresponding computer program/app. Via internet connection, the customer device 11 is connected to a cloud storage C, which in turn is connected to a charging pole 1. It is also possible that the cloud storage C is connected to a plurality of charging poles 1 in order to be able to select a suitable charging pole 1 for the time period selected for the user in the first initial process 200.

[0058] In the next method step, the control unit 9 evaluates 300 this first initial process 200 in such a way that the charging pole 1 starts the charging process at the time or time window specified in the first initial process 200. In this embodiment, a user can reserve a charging pole 1 for a charging process at such an early point in time that, when the electric vehicle 10 arrives at the charging pole 1, the energy conversion unit 3 is started, i.e. the maximum possible charging power can be delivered to the electric vehicle 10 when the transmission of 500 electrical energy to the electric vehicle 10 begins.

[0059] The actual transfer of electrical energy 500 from the charging pole 1 to the electric vehicle 10 is again performed by a start command from a user after the charging cable 8 is connected to the electric vehicle 10. After the charging process 400 is completed, the charging pole 1 is returned to stand-by mode.

[0060] All of these ways of registering a first initial process 200 set out in these four embodiment examples (FIGS. 1-4) can also be combined with each other to achieve the fastest possible charging of an electric vehicle 10.

[0061] FIG. 5 shows the method flow of an embodiment example of the method 100 according to the invention. The method 100 according to the invention starts with the registration of a first initial process 200, as shown in the previous embodiment examples by a user input or by the reception of a sensor signal. In the next method step, the first initial process is evaluated 300. In particular, the time of the start of the charging process 400 as well as further parameters such as charging current power and duration of the charging process 400 are evaluated 300. In the next method step, the charging process 400 starts at the time evaluated in the previous method step with the evaluated parameters. In the last process step, electrical energy is transferred 500 from the charging pole 1 to an electric vehicle 10. After completion of the charging process 400, the charging pole 1 is returned to stand-by mode.

[0062] A preferred variant of the method 100 according to the invention is shown in FIG. 6. The method 100 according to the invention starts with the registration of a first initial process 200 by a user input or by the reception of a sensor signal. In the next process step, the first initial process 200 is evaluated 300. In particular, the time of the start of the charging process 400 as well as further parameters such as charging current power and duration of the charging process 400 are evaluated 300. Thereafter, the charging pole 1 is switched from stand-by mode to a regular operating state 350 by a wake-up 350. The energy conversion unit 3 is started and generates a charging current. A user gives a start command and can charge the electric vehicle 10 by means of the charging cable 8 arranged on the connection device 7. In the next process step, the charging process 400 starts at the evaluated time with the evaluated parameters. During this process, electrical energy is delivered from the charging pole 1 to the electric vehicle 10. After completion of the charging process 400, the charging pole 1 is returned into stand-by mode.

REFERENCE LIST

[0063] 1 Charging pole

[0064] 2 Power and HMI unit

[0065] 3 Energy conversion unit

[0066] 4 Sensor unit

[0067] 5.1,5.2,5.3 Sensor

[0068] 6 Display and operating terminal

[0069] 6.1,6.2,6.3 Display and control element

[0070] 7 Connection device for charging cable

[0071] 8 Charging cable

[0072] 9 Control unit

[0073] 10 Electric vehicle

[0074] 11 Customer device

[0075] C Cloud

[0076] 100 Method for generating and delivering charging current

[0077] 200 first initial process

[0078] 300 Evaluation

[0079] 350 Wake-up process

[0080] 400 charging process

[0081] 500 Transmission of electrical energy