Lubricant applicator and method for applying solid lubricant, applicator device

Abstract

The invention relates to a lubricant applicator (1) for applying a solid lubricant to an electrically conductive contact element (8) of a plug and socket device (10) in order to reduce the wear of the contact element (8). According to the invention, the lubricant applicator (1) has an applicator part (12) having a lubricating surface (14) for contacting the contact element (8), wherein the lubricating surface (14) is produced by a solid body (16) which is made of or contains a solid lubricant, and wherein the lubricant applicator (1) is configured to be pluggable with the contact element (8) by designing the applicator part (12) in the shape of a mating contact complementary to the contact element (8). Furthermore, the invention relates to a method, an applicator device (2), an assembly (4) having an applicator device (2) and a plug and socket device (10), and a charging station (6).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a lubricant applicator for applying a solid lubricant on an electrically conductive contact element of a plug and socket arrangement and to a corresponding method thereof. The invention further relates to an applicator device comprising at least one such lubricant applicator. The invention further relates to an assembly comprising the applicator device and a plug and socket arrangement, such as a standardized plug and socket arrangement, in particular a charging plug or charging socket for an electric vehicle. The invention further relates to a charging station comprising such an assembly. Background Art

[0002] In this case, electric vehicles are understood to be purely electric vehicles or vehicles with an electric drive as part of the drive, such as hybrid vehicles, in particular plug-in hybrid vehicles, regardless of their size, i.e. passenger cars, trucks and commercial vehicles, including those used in agriculture and forestry.

[0003] Plug and socket devices are used in many areas of technology to produce a detachable connection for transmitting current and / or signals. In most cases, the electrically conductive contact elements of the plug and socket devices to be connected are in contact with each other. In many applications, after the transmission is complete, the connection is released again, thus completing a mating cycle. With each mating cycle, the contact elements involved are worn, as wear occurs on the contact surfaces of the contacts. This surface wear has a negative impact on the service life, maintenance frequency and / or repair requirements of the plug and socket devices. Summary of the invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to create a possibility which avoids or at least reduces the above-mentioned disadvantages of plug and socket arrangements.

[0005] This object is solved by a lubricant applicator as described above, which has an applicator part, which has a lubricating surface for contacting a contact element, the lubricating surface being formed by a solid body made of or containing a solid lubricant, and the lubricant applicator is adapted to be pluggable with a contact element by configuring the applicator part in the form of a mating contact complementary to the contact element.

[0006] "Solid body made of or containing a solid lubricant" describes a solid body which consists completely of a solid lubricant or contains a solid lubricant as at least one component. In this case, the solid body is an agglomerated body which does not have any fluidity itself, but from which a flake-like or powder-like wear material can be produced. The solid lubricant can then be free-flowing, in particular in the form of flakes or powder, as long as it is not a component of the solid body, but is present in the form of a wear material. The particle size of the solid lubricant can range from micrometers to nanometers.

[0007] The invention achieves the advantage that, on the one hand, contact elements can be lubricated with a lubricant applicator according to the invention by applying a layer of solid lubricant (in short: solid lubricant layer), thereby reducing surface wear during subsequent mating cycles of the plug and socket device at least at the lubricated contact elements. Thus, in particular, the service life and maintenance intervals of the plug and socket device with lubricated contact elements are extended. The need for repairs is correspondingly reduced.

[0008] The invention is also advantageous in that, since the lubricating surface is made of or contains a solid lubricant, the application of the solid lubricant can be carried out by rubbing the solid lubricant against the lubricating surface when the lubricant applicator and the contact element are plugged together. Of course, the application of the solid lubricant can also be carried out when the lubricant applicator and the contact element are pulled apart. Overall, this gives the lubricant applicator according to the invention a self-dosing property, since as soon as a sufficient layer of solid lubricant is formed on the contact element, wear is reduced and the friction coefficient is correspondingly reduced. This results in an economical consumption of the solid lubricant.

[0009] Furthermore, the invention is advantageous because the applicator part, due to its shape, is in contact with the contact element precisely at those points: at these points, contact with the mating contact also occurs. In this way, the solid lubricant can be used where lubrication is most needed.

[0010] The present invention can be further improved by the following embodiments, each of which is advantageous in itself and can be combined with each other as desired.

[0011] According to a first possible embodiment, the lubricant applicator can include a carrier on which the solid body forming the lubricating surface is located. In particular, the carrier can be made of plastic, metal, ceramic and / or another material different from the solid lubricant. For example, the solid body can be adhered to the carrier as a material layer of the solid lubricant. Alternatively, the solid body can be screwed and / or clamped to the carrier. In this case, the carrier provides increased stability for the applicator part and contributes to the fact that, for example, the design forming the applicator part requires less lubricant than in the case of a solid construction.

[0012] Alternatively, the lubricant applicator can be made entirely of a solid lubricant. In this case, the lubricant applicator can be solid or hollow. In this case, the solid body forms the entire lubricant applicator. Depending on the solid lubricant used, the material and / or manufacturing costs of the lubricant applicator can be reduced by this embodiment.

[0013] In order not to wear the contact element unnecessarily when applying the solid lubricant layer, the solid body on the lubricating surface preferably has a lower wear resistance or at least a lower hardness than the contact element. This further facilitates the application of the solid lubricant layer to the contact element.

[0014] According to another possible embodiment, the lubricating surface may be located at least on the front area of ​​the lubricant applicator facing the plug and socket device. For example, the solid body and therefore the lubricating surface may be arranged at least on the end of the carrier facing the plug and socket device. In this way, it is ensured that lubrication of the contact elements occurs over the entire length of the contact elements or at least over a length portion that is as long as possible when the contact elements are plugged together or pulled apart.

[0015] Additionally or alternatively, the lubricating surface may face inwardly or outwardly relative to the carrier. Furthermore, the lubricating surface may be positioned inwardly or outwardly relative to the carrier. Thus, depending on the orientation and position of the lubricating surface, convex or concave contact elements may be lubricated with the lubricant applicator according to the present invention.

[0016] In applications of the lubricant applicator according to the invention, in which the plug and socket device whose contact elements are to be lubricated corresponds to a standard or specification, the design of the applicator part can result from this standard or specification. In particular, the design of the applicator part can correspond at least in part to the geometry of the mating contact defined in said standard or specification and complementary to the contact element. Here, the lubricating surface can be shaped in the form of the contact surface of the mating contact defined in this way. In this way, when the lubricant applicator is plugged together with the contact element, it is ensured that the lubricating surface is in contact with the contact element, preferably frictionally. Furthermore, the conformity with the standardized geometry expands the applicability of the lubricant applicator according to the invention.

[0017] According to an embodiment with a simple geometry, the applicator part can be in the form of a contact pin, wherein the lubricating surface at least partially forms the outer surface of the contact pin. For example, the applicator part can be configured as a cylindrical contact pin with a circular base. In this case, the lubricating surface can at least partially form the outer surface and / or the top surface of the cylindrical contact pin. This embodiment is particularly suitable for applications in which the contact element to be lubricated has a sleeve shape. Alternatively or additionally, the applicator part and / or the carrier can be conical, conical, prismatic, pyramidal or a combination of the aforementioned shapes.

[0018] In order that the contact resistance of the lubricated contact elements is not unnecessarily increased by the presence of the solid lubricant layer during subsequent mating cycles of the plug and socket device, the solid lubricant may be electrically conductive.

[0019] Alternatively, the solid lubricant may be non-conductive. This expands the available range of materials that may be selected as solid lubricants.

[0020] In particular, the solid lubricant may be or at least include graphite. Advantageously, the use of graphite results in a longer lubrication durability compared to lubricating oils or greases, which often undergo chemical or thermal changes over time and / or tend to bind dust and other particles. Alternatively or additionally, the solid lubricant may include molybdenum disulfide, tungsten disulfide or silver sulfide. Further alternatively, the solid lubricant may be molybdenum disulfide, tungsten disulfide or silver sulfide.

[0021] Thus, the solid body may include graphite, molybdenum disulfide, tungsten disulfide and / or silver sulfide. Furthermore, the solid body may be electrically conductive or non-conductive.

[0022] The object is further solved by a method of the above type, comprising the steps of inserting contact members together with a lubricant applicator according to any of the preceding embodiments such that a lubricating surface of the applicator part moves along the contact members while causing wear on the lubricating surface.

[0023] The method according to the invention benefits from the above-mentioned advantages of the lubricant applicator according to the invention.

[0024] For reasons of electrical safety, plugging together is preferably performed in the electrically inactive state of the connector.

[0025] According to a possible embodiment, the method according to the invention may further comprise the step of pulling the contact member and the lubricant applicator apart so that the lubricating surface of the applicator part moves along the contact member while causing wear on the lubricating surface.

[0026] The above object can also be solved by an applicator device, wherein the applicator device comprises at least one lubricant applicator according to one of the above embodiments and a base body, the at least one lubricant applicator being arranged on the base body, wherein the applicator device is configured as a preferably blind counterpart of a plug and socket device, which counterpart can be connected to the plug and socket device. In particular, the applicator device can be configured as a mating plug and socket device complementary to the plug and socket device.

[0027] As a "blind" counterpart, the applicator device is configured as a counterpart to a plug and socket device that does not perform any electrical functions.

[0028] In addition to the advantages already explained, the applicator device according to the invention has the advantage that the solid lubricant can be applied with it actively or passively. In the case of active application, the applicator device according to the invention is specifically used to apply a layer of solid lubricant. That is, lubrication constitutes the main function of the applicator device. However, on the other hand, the applicator device can also perform another main function that is superior to lubrication, in which case lubrication is only a secondary function. In other words, lubrication can also be accidental and therefore passive. This will be explained in more detail below.

[0029] Alternatively, each of the above method steps may be performed as part of the process of assembling the plug and socket device with the applicator device or as the plug and socket device are pulled apart.

[0030] According to a possible embodiment of the applicator device, the base body can include a connector face, in particular a dummy connector face or a blind connector face, of a shape complementary to the plug and socket device. In this case, the at least one lubricant applicator can be arranged in the connector face. Advantageously, the connector face can thus perform a guiding function during assembly of the applicator device with the plug and socket device. This protects and preserves the at least one lubricant applicator of the applicator device.

[0031] If the connector complies with a standard or specification, the design of the connector surface may be derived from the standard or specification. In particular, the design of the connector face may correspond at least partially to the design of the connector face defined in a standard or specification for a mating device complementary to the plug and socket device. Furthermore, the position of the at least one lubricant applicator in the connector face may result from the standard and / or the specification. In particular, the position may correspond to the position defined in a standard or specification for a mating contact complementary to the contact element.

[0032] The applicator device, in particular its base body, can be suitable as a preferably attachable and removable cover for covering the plug and socket device. The base body can here completely or at least partially form a cover. The cover can also be partially formed by the carrier of the at least one lubricant applicator. In particular, the cover can be suitable for being removed or replaced before and after each plugging cycle of the plug and socket device. According to the principle described so far, when the cover is removed and replaced, lubrication is therefore accidental and passive. Advantageously, the solid lubricant layer is therefore renewed before and after each mating cycle. This ensures sufficient lubrication throughout.

[0033] According to another possible embodiment of the applicator device, the at least one lubricant applicator may be adapted to be interchangeable. In particular, the at least one lubricant applicator may be configured as an interchangeable applicator element, which is repeatedly attachable to the substrate and non-destructively removable from the substrate. For example, for this purpose, the carrier of the at least one lubricant applicator may be adapted to be attached to the substrate by screws, a press, a clamp and / or a snap connection. Alternatively, the substrate and the carrier may be configured as a single piece. In this case, the solid body forming the lubricating surface may in turn be adapted to be repeatedly attached to the carrier and non-destructively removable from the carrier. In an embodiment without a carrier, the solid body of the at least one lubricant applicator itself may also be adapted to be directly attached to the substrate. Depending on the material and / or manufacturing costs of the applicator element, a replacement according to this embodiment may be more cost-effective than a contact replacement of a plug and socket device.

[0034] According to another possible embodiment, the applicator device can include at least two lubricant applicators or applicator elements. In this case, the at least two lubricant applicators or applicator elements can be used to lubricate the same contact element of the plug and socket device, or in each case to lubricate different contact elements. Preferably, the applicator device includes a lubricant applicator or applicator element for each contact element of the plug and socket device. In addition, the applicator device can also include a lubricant applicator or applicator element for any shielding contact of the plug and socket device. This ensures that all conductive surfaces of the plug and socket device are protected from wear.

[0035] Preferably, the lubricant applicators or applicator elements are electrically insulated from one another. The electrical insulation can be achieved by separating the lubricant applicators or applicator elements by wall portions of the base body. Alternatively or additionally, the lubricant applicators or applicator elements can each be separated from one another by a sufficient air gap. In particular, this prevents a short circuit in the event that the plug and socket device is accidentally inserted into the applicator device in the electrically activated state.

[0036] The aforementioned objects can also be solved by a component, which comprises an applicator device according to one of the aforementioned embodiments and a plug and socket device having at least one electrically conductive contact element, wherein in the assembled state of the applicator device and the plug and socket device, a lubricating surface of at least one lubricant applicator of the applicator device frictionally bears against the at least one contact element.

[0037] If the lubricating surface bears against the at least one contact element in a “frictional” manner, static friction exists between the lubricating surface and the at least one contact element.

[0038] As already mentioned at the beginning, the plug and socket device can be, for example, a standardized plug and socket device, in particular a charging plug or charging socket for an electric vehicle. However, the invention is not limited to such standardized plug and socket devices, but can be applied to any electrical plug and socket device.

[0039] In addition to the advantages already explained, the assembly according to the invention has the advantage that the at least one electrically conductive contact element can at least partially transfer its lubricant to other contact elements with which it is in contact during a subsequent mating cycle of the plug and socket device. Thus, the assembly according to the invention can also provide indirect lubrication of the contact elements without the contact elements having to be in direct contact with the applicator device. In other words, the assembly according to the invention also advantageously develops its wear protection effect beyond the at least one contact element of its plug and socket device.

[0040] According to a possible embodiment of the assembly of the invention, the at least one contact element of the plug and socket device may include a coating. For example, the at least one contact element may be coated with a silver layer. In addition to the improved electrical conductivity, this embodiment has the following advantages:

[0041] Generally speaking, surface wear on coated contact elements can lead to a significant deterioration in the transmission characteristics of the plug and socket arrangement, for example if the coating is completely removed in certain places and the contact resistance therefore increases excessively in these places.

[0042] Contact elements from which the coating has been completely removed at some locations can also increase the surface wear of other contact elements with which they are in contact. This is a particular problem for plug and socket arrangements which are suitable for a particularly high and / or fixed number of mating cycles, particularly since this can lead to a profound loss of functionality occurring at an accelerated rate and the wear behavior being correspondingly more difficult to predict.

[0043] Advantageously, in the assembly according to the invention, the coating is protected from wear by lubrication. In particular, the coating is protected from complete erosion and, if the lubricated contact element comes into contact with another contact element during a subsequent mating cycle of the plug and socket device, the wear-increasing effect thereof is mitigated, the coating of the other contact element having already been completely eroded at certain locations. In this way, for example, the silver layer can be kept minimally thin in order to save costs and still ensure a good contact over a long period of time.

[0044] According to another possible embodiment of the assembly according to the invention, the applicator device can be held, preferably captively held, on the plug and socket device. The plug and socket device can, for example, comprise a housing in which the at least one contact element is arranged so as to be accessible from the outside and to which the applicator device is captively held. This facilitates the handling of the assembly according to the invention.

[0045] In particular, the plug and socket device can be a charging plug or charging connector for a charging cable of an electric vehicle. In this case, the applicator device can be configured as a cap of the charging plug, which is captively held to the charging plug by a belt, chain, rope or similar fastening means.

[0046] Alternatively, the plug and socket device can be a charging socket on the vehicle side of an electric vehicle. In this case, the applicator device can be adapted as a cover of the charging socket and is captured and held on the body of the electric vehicle by a hinge or similar fastening means.

[0047] The aforementioned objects are also solved by a charging station for an electric vehicle, wherein the charging station comprises a component according to one of the aforementioned embodiments, wherein the plug and socket arrangement of the component is configured as a charging plug of a charging cable for connection to a charging socket of the electric vehicle, and wherein the applicator device of the component is at least partially configured in the form of a charging socket of the electric vehicle.

[0048] The charging station may be, for example, a public charging station. In particular, the charging station may be a fast charging station. The charging station may be adapted to charge an energy storage device of a connected electric vehicle via a charging plug in a charging operating state.

[0049] Advantageously, the charging plug can be plugged alternately into the applicator device for lubrication and into the charging socket for charging the energy storage device. According to the principle already explained, all contact elements of the charging plug and possibly also of the charging socket are thus protected from excessive surface wear. This is particularly advantageous for fast charging stations, since relatively many mating cycles are to be expected during the entire operation.

[0050] Furthermore, the present invention is advantageous in that it also mitigates surface wear caused by dimensional tolerances inherent in manufacturing. Such surface wear is to be expected, especially in public charging stations where electric vehicles of different manufacturers can be connected.

[0051] According to one possible embodiment of the charging station according to the invention, the applicator device of the assembly can be adapted as a holder to which the charging plug can be attached. To this end, the applicator device can be incorporated in the charging station and used as a blind socket for the charging plug. Thus, the charging plug can be placed in the holder before and / or after each charging operation. In particular, the charging plug can be placed in the holder in standby mode. This results in lubrication after each charging cycle, so that the contact elements involved are continuously and sufficiently lubricated.

[0052] According to the concept of the invention, an already installed charging station having a blind socket for holding its charging plug can be upgraded by fixing a suitable number of lubricant applicators according to the invention in the corresponding blind sockets. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0053] In the following, with reference to the accompanying drawings, the invention is explained in more detail with reference to several embodiments, the individual features of which can be combined as required according to the above. In the drawings:

[0054] Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a lubricant applicator according to the invention according to a first embodiment;

[0055] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a lubricant applicator;

[0056] Figure 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a lubricant applicator according to the invention according to a second embodiment;

[0057] Figure 4 a schematic perspective view showing an assembly according to the invention; and

[0058] Figure 5 A schematic perspective view of a charging station according to the invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] First, refer to Figures 1 to 3 A schematic structure of a possible embodiment of a lubricant applicator 1 according to the present invention is shown. Figure 4 A schematic structure of a possible embodiment of an applicator device 2 according to the invention and a possible embodiment of an assembly 4 according to the invention are described. Figure 5 A schematic structure of a possible embodiment of a charging station 6 according to the invention is explained.

[0060] like Figure 1 As shown, the lubricant applicator 1 for applying solid lubricant to the conductive contact element 8 of the plug and socket device 10 according to the present invention may include an applicator portion 12 having a lubricating surface 14 for contacting the contact element 8. (The contact element 8 is in contact with the plug and socket device 10 at Figure 1 ) is shown in a highly simplified form by dashed lines.

[0061] In this case, the lubricated surface 14 is formed by a solid body 16, which is made of a solid lubricant or contains a solid lubricant. In particular, the solid body 16 is a solid bonded body 18, which is completely composed of a solid lubricant or contains a solid lubricant as a component. From the solid body 16, a flake or powdered wear material 20 (see Figure 3 ), which also consists of or contains a solid lubricant.

[0062] The lubricant applicator 1 is configured to be plugged together with the contact element 8, because the applicator portion 12 is configured in the form of a mating contact (not shown) complementary to the contact element 8. When the lubricant applicator 1 is plugged together with the contact element 8, and when they are pulled apart, the lubricating surface 14 of the applicator portion 12 moves along the contact element 8, while producing abrasives 20 on the lubricating surface 14. Thus, a layer of solid lubricant is applied to the contact element 8. In other words, the contact element 8 is lubricated with the solid lubricant. This process corresponds to the steps of the method according to the invention.

[0063] Preferably, the method according to the invention is performed in an electrically inactive state of the plug and socket device 10 .

[0064] If the plug and socket device 10 complies with a standard or specification, the design 22 of the applicator part 12 may correspond at least in part to the geometry of a mating contact (not shown) defined in the standard or specification and be complementary to the contact element 8. In particular, the lubricating surface 14 may be configured in the form of a contact surface (not shown) of a mating contact defined in this way. In this way, in the state 24 where the lubricant applicator 1 is plugged together with the contact element 8, it is ensured that the lubricating surface 14 preferably bears in a frictional manner against the contact element 8 (see Figure 3 ).

[0065] The lubricant applicator 1 may comprise a support 26 on which the solid body 16 forming the lubricating surface 14 is located. In particular, the solid body 16 may be screwed onto the support 26 (see Figure 2 Alternatively, the solid body 16 can be adhesively applied to the support 26 as a material layer 28 (see Figure 3 ). According to another alternative that is not shown, the lubricant applicator can also consist completely of a solid lubricant.

[0066] like Figure 1 As further shown, the lubricating surface 14 may be located at least in a front region 30 of the lubricant applicator 1 facing the plug and socket device 10. Figure 1 and Figure 2In the exemplary embodiment shown, the solid body 16 and the lubricating surface 14 are arranged on an end 32 facing the carrier 26 of the plug and socket device 10. In this way, it is ensured that lubrication of the contact element 8 preferably takes place over the entire length 34 of the contact element 8.

[0067] Likewise Figure 1 As shown, the lubricated surface 14 may face outwardly relative to the support body 26 and be located externally. Figure 1 and 2 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the applicator portion 12 is in the form of a contact pin 36, and the lubricating surface 14 at least partially forms the outer surface 38 of the contact pin 36. In particular, the applicator portion 12 is configured as a cylindrical contact pin 40 with a circular base. In this regard, the lubricating surface 14 at least partially forms the shell surface 42 and the top surface 44 of the cylindrical contact pin 40. The contact pin 40 shown also includes a tapered portion 46 with an insertion bevel 48. The tapered portion 46 can also be part of the carrier (see Figure 3 ).

[0068] Alternatively, the lubricating surface 14 may face inwardly or be located internally relative to the support body 26. Further alternatively, the applicator portion 12 and / or the support body 26 may also be conical, prismatic, pyramidal, or a combination of the aforementioned shapes.

[0069] exist Figure 4 , an applicator device 2 according to the invention is shown in an exemplary embodiment, wherein the applicator device 2 comprises at least one lubricant applicator 1 according to one of the above-described embodiments and a base body 50, the at least one lubricant applicator 1 being arranged on the base body 50. The applicator device 2 is also configured as a preferably blind counterpart 52 of a plug and socket device 10, which can be plugged into the plug and socket device 10.

[0070] exist Figure 4 In the exemplary embodiment of the applicator device 2 shown, the base body 50 has a connector face 54 , the shape of which is complementary to the plug and socket device 10 . The at least one lubricant applicator 1 is arranged in the connector face 54 here.

[0071] If the connector 10 complies with a standard or specification, the design 56 of the mating face 54 may correspond at least partially to the design of a mating face defined in a standard or specification for a mating device (not shown) that is complementary to the plug and socket device 10. Furthermore, the position of the at least one lubricant applicator 1 in the connector face 54 may correspond to the position of a mating contact (not shown) defined in the standard or specification and that is complementary to the contact element 8.

[0072] The applicator device 2 according to the invention may also comprise a plurality of lubricant applicators 1. Figure 4In the exemplary embodiment of the applicator device 2 shown, five lubricant applicators 1 are provided, since the plug and socket device 10 comprises five contact elements 8 to be lubricated. Preferably, the applicator device 2 comprises a lubricant applicator 1 for each contact element 8 of the plug and socket device 10. Furthermore, the applicator device 2 may also comprise a lubricant applicator 1 for any shielding contacts (not shown) of the plug and socket device 10.

[0073] exist Figure 4 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the lubricant applicators 1 are each separated from one another by a sufficient air gap and are therefore electrically insulated from one another. Electrical insulation may additionally or alternatively be achieved by separating the lubricant applicators 1 by wall portions (not shown) of the base body 50 .

[0074] In addition, Figure 4 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the lubricant applicator 1 is configured to be interchangeable. In particular, each lubricant applicator 1 is configured as an interchangeable applicator element 58. Each applicator element 58 is adapted to be repeatedly attached to the base body 50 by screws, presses, clamps and / or snap connections, and can be non-destructively removed from the base body 50.

[0075] Figure 4 Also shown in an exemplary embodiment is an assembly 4 according to the invention, wherein the assembly 4 comprises an applicator device 2 according to one of the above-described embodiments and a plug and socket device 10 having at least one electrically conductive contact element 8. In the case of the plug and socket device 10 (see Figure 5 ) in the assembled state 60, the lubricating surface 14 of the at least one lubricant applicator 1 of the applicator device 2 is in frictional contact with the at least one contact element 8. In other words, in the assembled state 60 of the applicator device 2 and the plug and socket device 10, static friction exists between the lubricating surface 14 and the at least one contact element 8.

[0076] exist Figure 4 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the applicator device 2, in particular its base body 50, is configured as a mountable and removable cover 62 for covering the plug and socket device 10. In this case, the base body 50 completely forms the cover 62. Alternatively, the cover 62 can also be partially formed by the carrier 26.

[0077] Furthermore, the applicator device 2 is held on the plug device 10. In particular, the plug and socket device 10 comprises a housing 64 in which the at least one contact element 8 is arranged so as to be accessible from the outside and on which the applicator device 2 is held. Figure 4The plug and socket device 10 shown is a charging plug 66 for an electric vehicle (not shown). The applicator device 2 is therefore configured as a cap 68 of the charging plug 66 and is captively held to the housing 64 by a strap 70 .

[0078] Alternatively, the plug and socket device 10 may be a charging socket (not shown) on a vehicle. In this case, the applicator device 2 may be configured as a cover (not shown) of the charging socket and may be pivotally held on the body of the electric vehicle, for example, by a hinge.

[0079] Figure 5 An exemplary embodiment of a charging station 6 for an electric vehicle (not shown) according to the invention is shown. The charging station 6 comprises an assembly 4 according to one of the aforementioned embodiments, wherein the plug and socket device 10 of the assembly 4 is configured as a charging plug 66 of a charging cable 72 for connection to a charging socket (not shown) of an electric vehicle, and wherein the applicator device 2 of the assembly 4 is configured at least partially in the form of a charging socket of an electric vehicle. In this case, the charging cable 72 leads to a power source (not shown) which supplies power to the charging station 6.

[0080] In the embodiment shown, the charging station 6 is a public charging point 74. In particular, the charging station 6 is a fast charging station 76. The charging station 6 is configured to charge an energy storage device (not shown) of a connected electric vehicle via a charging plug 66 in a charging mode. Depending on the application, the charging station 6 can include any number of further charging cables 72 and further components 4.

[0081] exist Figure 5 In the embodiment shown, the applicator device 2 of the assembly 4 is configured as a holder 78 to which the charging plug 66 can be attached. In particular, the charging plug 66 can be placed in the holder 78 before and / or after each charging operation state, i.e. in the standby state 80. For this purpose, the applicator device 2 is installed in the charging station 6 and serves as a blind socket 82 for the charging plug 66.

[0082] According to an embodiment not shown, an already constructed charging station comprising blind sockets for holding its charging plugs can be upgraded by fixing a suitable number of lubricant applicators according to the invention in the corresponding blind sockets.

[0083] Reference numerals

[0084] 1 Lubricant Applicator

[0085] 2 Applicator device

[0086] 4 Components

[0087] 6 Charging Stations

[0088] 8 contact elements

[0089] 10 Plug and socket devices

[0090] 12 Applicator part

[0091] 14. Lubricate the surface

[0092] 16 solid body

[0093] 18 body

[0094] 20 Wear materials

[0095] 22 Design

[0096] 24 Status

[0097] 26 Support

[0098] 28 material layers

[0099] 30 Areas

[0100] 32 end

[0101] 34 Length

[0102] 36 contact pins

[0103] 38 External surface

[0104] 40 contact pins

[0105] 42 Shell surface

[0106] 44 Top surface

[0107] 46 parts

[0108] 48 Insert bevel

[0109] 50 base

[0110] 52 counterparts

[0111] 54 Connector face

[0112] 56 Design

[0113] 58 Applicator element

[0114] 60 Status

[0115] 62 caps

[0116] 64 Shell

[0117] 66 Charging plug

[0118] 68 Caps

[0119] 70 belts

[0120] 72 Charging cable

[0121] 74 charging stations

[0122] 76 fast charging stations

[0123] 78 retainer

[0124] 80 standby mode

[0125] 82 blind socket

Claims

1. A lubricant applicator (1) for applying a solid lubricant to an electrically conductive contact element (8) of a plug and socket device (10), the lubricant applicator (1) having an applicator portion (12) having a lubricating surface (14) for contacting the contact element (8), wherein the lubricating surface (14) is formed by a solid body (16) made of or containing a solid lubricant, and wherein the lubricant applicator (1) is adapted to be plugged together with the contact element (8), wherein the applicator portion (12) is designed in the form of a mating contact complementary to the contact element (8).

2. The lubricant applicator (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The lubricant applicator (1) comprises a support (26) made of a material different from the solid lubricant, on which the solid body (16) forming the lubricating surface (14) is located.

3. The lubricant applicator (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The lubricating surface (14) is located at least in a front region (30) of the lubricant applicator (1) facing the plug and socket device (10).

4. The lubricant applicator (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The applicator portion (12) is configured as a contact pin (36), and wherein the lubricating surface (14) at least partially forms an outer surface (38) of the contact pin (36).

5. The lubricant applicator (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The solid lubricant is electrically conductive and / or contains graphite and / or contains molybdenum disulfide and / or contains tungsten disulfide and / or contains silver sulfide.

6. An applicator device (2) comprising at least one lubricant applicator (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, and comprising a base body (50), on which at least one lubricant applicator (1) is arranged, wherein the applicator device (2) is designed as a counterpart (52) of the plug and socket device (10), the counterpart being connectable to the plug and socket device (10).

7. Applicator device (2) according to claim 6, wherein The applicator device (2) is configured as a cover (62) for covering the plug and socket device (10).

8. Applicator device (2) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein The at least one lubricant applicator (1) is configured to be interchangeable.

9. Applicator device (2) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein The applicator device (2) comprises at least two lubricant applicators (1) which are electrically insulated from each other.

10. An assembly (4) comprising an applicator device (2) according to any one of claims 6 to 9 and a plug and socket device (10) having at least one electrically conductive contact element (8), wherein in a state (60) of the applicator device (2) being assembled with the plug and socket device (10), a lubricating surface (14) of at least one lubricant applicator (1) of the applicator device (2) frictionally engages the at least one contact element (8).

11. Assembly (4) according to claim 10, wherein The at least one contact element (8) comprises a coating.

12. Assembly (4) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein The applicator device (2) is retained on the plug and socket device (10).

13. A charging station (6) for an electric vehicle, comprising an assembly (4) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein: The plug and socket device (10) of the assembly (4) is configured as a charging plug (66) for connecting to a charging cable (72) of a charging socket of the electric vehicle, and wherein the applicator device (2) of the assembly (4) is at least partially configured in the form of a charging socket of the electric vehicle.

14. The charging station (6) according to claim 13, wherein: The applicator device (2) of the assembly (4) is configured as a holder (78) to which the charging plug (66) can be attached.

15. A method of applying a solid lubricant to an electrically conductive contact element (8) of a plug and socket device (10), comprising the steps of: The contact element (8) is matched with a lubricant applicator (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5 so that the lubricating surface (14) of the applicator part (12) moves along the contact element (8) while producing abrasive objects (20) on the lubricating surface (14).

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