Connection device, in particular charging plug, for a charging point on a motor vehicle

Abstract

Connection device (1), in particular a charging plug, for electrically contacting an approximately cylindrical contact pin of a single-pole electric charging point in a motor vehicle, wherein the connection device (1) has a housing (24) and a connection for a connecting cable with an electrical conductor and a clamping device electrically connected to the connection, by means of which the connection device (1) can be reversibly clamped to the contact pin for electrical contacting of the contact pin and for fixing the connection device (1) to the contact pin, characterized in that the clamping device is designed with a first clamping part (9) arranged in the housing (24) and with a second clamping part (10) arranged in the housing (24), and that the housing (24) provides at least one positive guidance.by means of which at least the second clamping part (10) is guided by a positive direction and can be moved exclusively in one clamping direction towards or away from the first clamping part (9), and that the clamping parts (9, 10) are designed for the planar contact of the contact bolt, which can be clamped with its central axis perpendicular to the direction of movement between these clamping parts (9, 10), on its circumference at their mutually facing sides, in particular with concave surfaces.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a connection device for electrically contacting an approximately cylindrical contact bolt of a single-pole electrical charging point in a motor vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1. The connection device is in particular a charging plug.

[0002] Such a connection device is used in the manufacture of motor vehicles to supply the vehicle's electrical systems and any test equipment with electrical energy. This allows these systems to operate during production without discharging the vehicle's battery. Furthermore, the connection device ensures a consistently stable voltage supply to the vehicle's electrical systems and any test equipment. Therefore, such a connection device protects the vehicle's battery and ensures comparable environmental conditions for the production process, including for test equipment.

[0003] The electrical charging point features an approximately cylindrical contact pin that can be contacted by the connection device. Such a contact pin is provided on the vehicle battery and often also at another location away from the battery within the vehicle. For example, if the vehicle battery is located at the rear of the vehicle, a separate contact pin is usually provided under the hood. In any case, a contact pin that is easily accessible for connection during manufacturing is located in the engine compartment, typically high up and close to the hood, and usually with its longitudinal axis roughly vertical.There is often another single-pole or multi-pole charging point at at least one other location on the vehicle, where there would be more space for contacting, but whose location on the vehicle is otherwise unsuitable or less suitable for contacting during manufacturing and which is therefore not used for contacting during manufacturing.

[0004] The charging point used for contacting during manufacturing, with the contact bolt in the engine compartment of the vehicle, only needs to be single-pole, since the contacting of the second pole during the manufacture of the motor vehicle takes place via the vehicle frame.

[0005] A generic connection device for contacting the contact bolt is known, for example, from DE 20 2005 020 217 U1. This known connection device is elongated and must be placed lengthwise onto the contact bolt. Thus, this connection device protrudes approximately vertically from the engine compartment. Other known connection devices also protrude from the engine compartment after being placed on the contact bolt, even if their connecting cable is routed laterally.

[0006] It has been observed that during manufacturing, the hood may be inadvertently closed, for example, for assembly work that can only be carried out with the hood closed, or it may fall off while the vehicle's charging point is still connected to the charging device, i.e., while a known charging device is still protruding from the engine compartment. In this case, the hood strikes the charging device, which can cause damage to the vehicle.

[0007] The invention is therefore based on the objective of providing a connection device for a charging point on a motor vehicle, with which the risk of damage to the motor vehicle by a closing hood is reduced.

[0008] The invention solves this problem with a connection device according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0009] In a connection device, in particular a charging plug, for electrically contacting an approximately cylindrical contact pin of a single-pole electric charging point in a motor vehicle, wherein the connection device has a housing and a connection for a connecting cable with an electrical conductor and a clamping device electrically connected to the connection, by means of which the connection device can be reversibly clamped to the contact pin for electrical contacting the contact pin and for fixing the connection device to the contact pin, it is essential to the invention that the clamping device is designed with a first clamping part arranged in the housing and with a second clamping part arranged in the housing, that the housing provides at least one positive guidance by means of which at least the second clamping part is positively guided exclusively in one, in particular one-dimensional,The direction of movement, in particular the clamping direction, is movable towards or away from the first clamping part, and the clamping parts are designed for the planar contact of the contact bolt, which can be clamped between these clamping parts with its central axis perpendicular to the direction of movement, on its circumference at their mutually facing sides, in particular with concave surfaces.

[0010] The direction of movement in which the clamping elements are movable relative to each other is perpendicular to the central axis of the contact bolt to be contacted and clamped. Because the contact between the clamping device and the contact bolt is established via the clamping elements, which are essentially arranged in the same plane as the contact bolt and are guided within this plane and movable relative to each other, the clamping device can be thin in the direction perpendicular to this plane and thus, when clamped, protrude only slightly beyond the contact bolt. If the hood were then to be closed, contact between the hood and the clamping device would be avoided. This effectively prevents damage to the vehicle when the hood is closed.

[0011] Furthermore, the hood can be closed for assembly steps that can only be performed with the hood closed, without having to disconnect and subsequently reconnect the clamping device. This increases manufacturing efficiency.

[0012] The connection device can also be easily clamped onto the contact bolt or, when no longer needed, removed from the contact bolt. When clamped, the connection device holds securely to the contact bolt and reliably ensures its electrical contact.

[0013] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the connection device, the first clamping element is fixed relative to the housing, and the second clamping element is movable relative to the housing. This minimizes the design complexity. In an alternative embodiment, however, both clamping elements are movable. In all embodiments, the clamping elements can be moved towards each other within certain limits to clamp onto the contact pin and moved away from each other to release from the contact pin.

[0014] The electrical conductor of the connecting cable must be electrically connected to the terminals for electrical contact with the contact bolt via the terminals. For this purpose, it is advantageously provided that the connection device has a connecting element arranged inside the housing for clamping the electrical conductor and that the connection device has electrical connecting means by which the connecting element is electrically connected to both terminals.

[0015] The connecting means are preferably a flexible connecting cable or have at least one flexible connecting cable. This makes it particularly advantageous to connect to the movable second clamping element. The flexible connecting cable preferably consists of a wire braid, especially with several braided strands. Preferably, at least the second clamping element is electrically connected to the connecting element by means of the flexible connecting cable. Particularly preferably, both clamping elements are electrically connected to the connecting element by means of the flexible connecting cable, i.e., by means of a single connecting cable.

[0016] The connecting element is preferably arranged in the axial direction of the contact bolt above the second clamping part in such a way that the second clamping part can be moved below it relative to the connecting element.

[0017] The flexible connecting cable is preferably guided through the connecting element and clamped therein, for example by means of a clamping sleeve or a screw. Each end of the flexible connecting cable is preferably connected to a clamping element. However, in embodiments where the first clamping element is not movable, a rigid conductive connection between the connecting element and the first clamping element can alternatively exist.

[0018] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that each clamping part electrically connected to the connecting element by means of the flexible connecting cable, i.e. at least the second clamping part and, depending on the embodiment, possibly also the first clamping part, each has a hole, in particular a through hole, into which the flexible connecting cable is clamped, in particular by means of a clamping sleeve.

[0019] The housing is preferably electrically insulating. In particular, the housing consists of electrically insulating plastic.

[0020] Preferably, the housing has stop limits to restrict movement in the direction of movement of at least the second clamping part. At least this second clamping part is movable between a closed position, in which the clamping parts are at their smallest possible distance from each other, and an open position, in which the clamping parts are at their largest possible distance from each other.

[0021] The connecting device should advantageously clamp and hold itself automatically on the contact bolt. For this purpose, it is preferably provided that the connecting device has spring elements, in particular coil springs. The spring elements are preferably arranged inside the housing and, in particular, pre-tensioned between the housing and the second clamping part. The spring elements are clamped in such a way as to press the second clamping part towards the first clamping part.

[0022] In a further advantageous embodiment of the connection device, the device has an actuating element located on the narrow side of the housing opposite the connection for the connecting cable, for pressing the second clamping element into its open position, and the first clamping element is arranged between the second clamping element and this narrow side of the housing opposite the connection for the connecting cable. This allows the second clamping element to be advantageously pushed away from the first clamping element by pressing from the narrow side opposite the connection towards the connection for the connecting cable, for either connecting or disconnecting.

[0023] Preferably, the connection device includes pressure elements, in particular pins, arranged within the housing to transmit pressure to the second clamping part when the actuating part is pressed, thus bridging the gap between the actuating part and the second clamping part. The pressure elements are preferably pins arranged laterally on both sides next to the first actuating part. To transmit the pressure to the second clamping part, the second clamping part preferably has contact surfaces on both sides that extend laterally beyond the width of the first clamping part for the pressure elements. The second clamping part is therefore wider than the first clamping part.

[0024] The contact bolts of charging points on vehicles are often equipped with an annular groove. In an advantageous embodiment of the connection device, the clamping elements are designed to have a projection for engaging in this circumferential annular groove of the contact bolt. This allows the connection device to be held not only by friction but also by positive locking, and therefore even more securely, on the contact bolt.

[0025] On the narrow side of the housing with the connection for the connecting cable, the connection device preferably has a plastic cable gland for the connecting cable. The cable gland serves in particular as a strain relief, securing the connecting cable relative to the housing so that any tensile forces do not have to be absorbed by the conductor and its fastening.

[0026] The housing preferably comprises a lower part and an upper part, both made of plastic. Furthermore, the housing includes a through-hole for the contact bolt. In particular, the lower part is designed to have this through-hole. It is also preferably designed that the clamping elements protrude downwards from the housing through this through-hole in sections.

[0027] Preferably, the half-shells have correspondingly arranged holes, particularly in their edge regions where they come into contact with each other. Furthermore, connecting pins that engage in the holes in the half-shells are preferably provided for joining the half-shells.

[0028] In a particular embodiment of the connection device, the height of the housing in the direction of the central axis of the contact bolt to be clamped is less than 40 mm, preferably less than 30 mm, and particularly preferably less than 25 mm. In particular, a housing height of approximately 23 mm is provided. The width of the housing is preferably approximately 48 mm, and the length of the housing together with the unactuated actuator is approximately 78 mm. Overall, the housing is thus designed to be flat, with its height preferably being less than 60% of its width and less than 35% of the length of the assembly consisting of the housing and actuator, and particularly preferably less than 50% of its width and less than 30% of this length.

[0029] Further embodiments will become apparent from the claims, the accompanying drawings, and the following description of a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings. The drawings show: Fig. 1: a connection device according to an embodiment of the invention with the housing open and without its upper part in a perspective view; Fig. 2: the connection device according to the embodiment of Fig. 1. With the case open but without its top part, in another perspective view; Fig. 3: the connection device according to the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. With the case open but without its top part, in another perspective view; Fig. 4: the closed housing of the connection device of the exemplary embodiment from the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. 3 with its upper part in perspective view; Fig. 5: the connection device of the exemplary embodiment from the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. 3 with the closed housing of Fig. 4 in a top view; Fig. 6: the connection device of the exemplary embodiment from the Fig. 1 to 3 and 5 with the closed housing of Fig. 4 in a side view; and Fig. 7: the connection device of the exemplary embodiment from the Fig. 1 to 3, 5 and 6 with the closed housing of Fig. 4 in a view from below;

[0030] In Fig. Figure 1 shows all parts of a connection device 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, except for an upper part of its housing (not yet described) which is not shown. The connection device 1 serves to temporarily establish an electrical connection between the electrical conductor of a connecting cable and a contact pin of an electrical charging point on a vehicle. Particularly during vehicle manufacturing, i.e., on the assembly line, the connecting cable, the connection device 1, and the electrical charging point are intended to supply electrical energy to the vehicle's electrical consumers, thus avoiding the need to use and partially discharge the vehicle battery, which is responsible for this purpose during later operation.

[0031] A metal connecting element 3 is inserted into a lower part 2 of the housing for connecting the connecting cable to the connection device 1. The conductor of the connecting cable can be clamped in it, for example by means of the Fig. 1. Clamping screws accessible from the underside through the housing, not visible, according to the description. Fig. 7. For this purpose, the connecting cable should be guided through a cable gland 4, which is partially inserted into the lower part 2 for strain relief and form-fitting. The connecting cable itself can be clamped in the cable gland 4 by twisting the threaded parts connected to each other in a known manner.

[0032] The connecting element 3 has a through-hole through which connecting means 5, in the form of a flexible connecting cable 6 made of a wire mesh, is inserted together with a clamping sleeve 7 and clamped therein by means of a screw 8. In the figures, the sections of the connecting cable 6 protruding from both sides of the connecting element 3 are both labeled 6 for clarity.

[0033] The ends of the flexible connecting cable 6 are connected to a first clamping element 9 and a second clamping element 10 of a clamping device 11 consisting of these clamping elements 9 and 10. For this purpose, the clamping elements 9 and 10 each have a hole in which one end of the flexible connecting cable is clamped by means of a clamping sleeve 11 or 12, respectively, and thus electrically connected to the respective clamping element 9 or 10. The clamping elements 9 and 10 are made of metal.

[0034] For clamping onto and releasing from the contact bolt, the clamping elements 9 and 10 are movable relative to each other and are held pre-tensioned against each other by means of spring elements 13 and 14 designed as coil springs. Each clamping element 9 and 10 has a substantially concave surface section designed to laterally contact a section of the substantially cylindrical surface of the contact bolt. The first clamping element 9 has a projection 15, and the second clamping element 10 has a projection 16, each for engaging in an annular groove provided on the contact bolt, in order to establish a positive-locking connection between the connecting device 1 and the contact bolt. The positive-locking connection is, in particular, a tongue-and-groove joint, with the spring being formed by the projections 15 and 16.

[0035] The first clamping element 9 is fixedly held in the lower part 2. The second clamping element 10, however, can be moved away from the first clamping element 9 in one direction against the force of the spring elements 13, 14 in order to place the connecting device 1 onto the contact bolt. The second clamping element 10 can then be moved back towards the first clamping element 9 with the force of the spring elements 13, 14 in order to clamp the connecting device 1 onto the contact bolt and lock it in place by means of the projections 15, 16. For this purpose, the movable second clamping element 10 is positively guided in the lower part and is thereby held in Fig. 1. The contact bolt is held in a maximally closed position by a stop limit in an opening formed between the clamping parts 9 and 10.

[0036] To manually push the second clamping part 10 away from the first clamping part 9, and thus to enlarge the opening between the clamping parts 9 and 10, an actuating part 23 is provided, which protrudes partially from the housing on the narrow side opposite the connection for the connecting cable. The actuating part 23 is in indirect contact with the second clamping part 10 via pressure elements 17 and 18, which are designed as pins and are mounted in the lower part 2 and guided laterally past the first clamping part 9.

[0037] On each longitudinal edge, i.e., on its long sides, the lower part 2 of the housing has two blind holes in which connecting pins 19, 20, 21, and 22 are inserted approximately halfway and preferably firmly anchored, with the remaining halfway protruding from the respective hole. A total of six additional blind holes on the longitudinal edges of the lower part 2 are provided for screwing the lower part 2 to the upper part of the housing. These additional holes are preferably threaded holes. Alternatively, screws can automatically thread into the holes during the initial assembly of the two halves 2. Corresponding holes are provided in the upper part for all ten holes.

[0038] Fig. 2 shows another view of the arrangement of Fig. 1. From a different perspective. The same reference numbers denote the same parts in all figures.

[0039] Fig. 3 shows the arrangement of the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 in the case of the manually operated actuating part 23 and the resulting widened opening between the clamping parts 10 and 11.

[0040] Fig. Figure 4 shows the housing 24, depicted and described here for the first time in its entirety, which consists of the lower part 2 and the upper part 25, also depicted and described here for the first time. The corresponding six open holes of the lower part 2 are shown in the figure below. Fig. The three holes arranged in the upper part 25, designated here by reference numerals 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, and 31, are designed as through holes and thus extend through the upper part 25. Starting from the top of the upper part 25, six screws can therefore be screwed through holes 26 to 31 into the lower part 2, thereby connecting the two halves 2 and 25. On the narrow side of the housing 24, which is intended for connecting the connecting cable, a circular through hole 32 with annular grooves for receiving the cable gland 4 is formed by recesses in the two halves 2 and 25.

[0041] The Fig. 5, Fig. 6 and Fig. Figures 7 show the connection device 1 with the housing 24 from different viewing angles. The description already refers to... Fig. The six screws mentioned in section 4 for connecting the half-shells 2 and 25 are also in Fig. 5 is not yet screwed in, so that the cross-sectional enlargements of the holes 26-31 in the flat central part of the upper part 25 are visible. The heads of the screws can be countersunk in these cross-sectional enlargements.

[0042] Out of Fig. Figure 6 shows that the clamping device with the clamping elements 9 and 10 protrudes section by section downwards from the housing 24 through a through-hole formed in the flat central part of the lower part 2. Two smaller openings formed in the lower part 2 and in Fig. Through the 7 through holes 33 and 34 shown, clamping screws are accessible by means of which the conductor of the connecting cable can be clamped in the connecting element 3.

[0043] Overall, the invention, with its connection device 1, provides a compact charging plug which, thanks to its technically inherent flat design, can easily and temporarily connect a connecting cable to a contact pin of a charging point on a vehicle without taking up much additional space and thus without the risk of contact with a closing hood. This reliably protects the vehicle from damage that could otherwise occur if the hood were to strike a charging plug. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 20 2005 020 217 U1

[0005]

Claims

[1] Connection device (1), in particular charging plug, for electrically contacting an approximately cylindrical contact pin of a single-pole electric charging point in a motor vehicle, wherein the connection device (1) has a housing (24) and a connection for a connecting cable with an electrical conductor and a clamping device electrically connected to the connection, by means of which the connection device (1) can be reversibly clamped to the contact pin for electrical contacting the contact pin and for fixing the connection device (1) to the contact pin, characterized by, that the clamping device is designed with a first clamping part (9) arranged in the housing (24) and with a second clamping part (10) arranged in the housing (24), that the housing (24) provides at least one positive guidance by means of which at least the second clamping part (10) can be positively guided and moved exclusively in one clamping direction towards or away from the first clamping part (9), and that the clamping parts (9, 10) are designed for the planar contact of the contact bolt, which can be clamped with its central axis perpendicular to the direction of movement between these clamping parts (9, 10), on its circumference at their mutually facing sides, in particular with concave surfaces. [2] Connection device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the first clamping part (9) is fixed relative to the housing (24) and the second clamping part (10) is movable relative to the housing (24). [3] Connection device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the connection has a connecting element arranged inside the housing (24) for clamping the electrical conductor and that the connection device (1) has electrical connecting means by which the connecting element is electrically connected to both terminal parts (9, 10). [4] Connection device (1) according to claim 3, characterized by , that the connecting means have at least one flexible connecting cable, in particular made of a wire mesh, and that at least the second clamping part (10) or both clamping parts (9, 10) is electrically connected to the connecting element by means of the flexible connecting cable. [5] Connection device (1) according to claim 4, characterized by, that each clamping part (9, 10) electrically connected to the connecting element by means of the flexible connecting cable has a hole, in particular a through hole, into which the flexible connecting cable is clamped, in particular by means of a clamping sleeve (7). [6] Connection device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the housing (24) is electrically insulating, in particular made of electrically insulating plastic. [7] Connection device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the housing (24) has stop limits to limit the movement in the direction of movement of at least the second clamping part (10), wherein at least the second clamping part (10) is movable between a closed position in which the clamping parts (9, 10) have their smallest possible distance from each other and an open position in which the clamping parts (9, 10) have their largest possible distance from each other. [8] Connection device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the connecting device (1) has spring elements (13, 14), in particular coil springs, arranged within the housing (24) and the second clamping part (10), which are pre-tensioned. [9] Connection device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the connection device (1) has an actuating part (23) which is arranged on the narrow side of the housing (24) opposite the connection for the connecting cable, for pressing the second clamping part (10) into its open position and that the first clamping part (9) is arranged between the second clamping part (10) and this narrow side of the housing (24) opposite the connection for the connecting cable. [10] Connection device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the connection device (1) has pressure elements (17, 18) arranged inside the housing (24) for transmitting pressure to the second clamping part (10) when pressing the actuating part (23), which pushes the second clamping part (10) away from the first clamping part (9). [11] Connection device (1) according to claim 10, characterized by, that the pressure elements (17, 18) are pins arranged laterally on both sides next to the first actuating part (23) and that the second clamping part (10) has contact surfaces on both sides laterally extending beyond the width of the first contact part for the pressure elements (17, 18). [12] Connection device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the clamping parts (9, 10) each have a projection (15, 16) for insertion into a circumferential annular groove of the contact bolt. [13] Connection device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the connection device (1) has a plastic cable gland for the connection cable on the narrow side of its housing (24) with the connection for the connection cable. [14] Connection device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the housing (24) has a top part (25) made of plastic and a bottom part (2) made of plastic and that the bottom part (2) has a through-opening through which the clamping parts (9, 10) extend section by section downwards out of the housing (24). [15] Connection device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the height of the housing (24) in the direction of the central axis of the contact bolt to be clamped is less than 40 mm, preferably less than 30 mm, particularly preferably less than 25 mm.

Images