Adapter system for electrically connecting a cable connector to different contact arrangements

Abstract

The invention relates to an adapter system for electrically connecting a connector of an electrical cable to different contact arrangements of different charging sockets along a connection axis, comprising an adapter housing comprising a contact surface extending substantially perpendicular to the connection axis at an end on the socket side and having a contact opening which can be penetrated along the connection axis, and comprising a cable interface for connecting the connector at an end on the cable side. The adapter system further comprises at least one fastening element for attaching the adapter housing to a charging socket, wherein the end on the socket side of the adapter housing can be attached to a corresponding charging socket by means of the at least one fastening element depending on the contact arrangement and the contact surface of this end is in a predetermined rotational position relative to the connection axis.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an adapter system for electrically connecting a cable connector along a connecting axis to different contact arrangements of different charging sockets. Background Technology

[0002] Adapter systems can be used, particularly in electric motor-driven transportation equipment. Due to the increasing proportion of renewable energy generation and far-reaching international treaties on reducing greenhouse gases, electric motor-powered transportation equipment, such as electric vehicles—motorized vehicles with electric drive—is becoming increasingly important. Electric vehicles are examples of electric vehicles, which also include other motorized vehicles used for transporting people and goods, such as trains, bicycles, electric motorcycles, etc. Generally, electric motor-driven transportation equipment is understood to refer to wheeled motorized vehicles used for transportation, with the wheels driven by electric motors as so-called electric drive, and storing the electrical energy required for movement in battery packs of rechargeable batteries or existing traction batteries. Such electric motor-driven transportation equipment itself does not emit any related pollutants during operation and is therefore classified as zero-emission transportation equipment compared to fuel-powered vehicles.

[0003] Regarding the charging of motor-driven transportation equipment, especially electric vehicles, almost all charging systems are indeed based on a single standard. However, different types of charging connectors with varying geometries and configurations have been created specifically for electric vehicles. Therefore, various charging options are available globally, depending on the manufacturer and model.

[0004] The contact arrangement in the charging input terminals of plug-in hybrid or electric vehicles is defined by international standards, such as SAE 1772, IEC 62196, and GB / T 20234.2. Each of these standards specifies a different geometry for the contact arrangement (the spatial arrangement of the contacts relative to each other) of the corresponding charging socket. Therefore, different charging input terminals must be used in the vehicle for each charging input terminal geometry.

[0005] The differences in charging input geometry mean that the wiring / cable setup in transportation equipment, which connects the vehicle's charging socket to its traction battery, must also be specifically adapted and designed for the different contact arrangements. Different configurations exist, namely the number of AC phases—single-phase, two-phase, and three-phase charging—which further complicates the vehicle's internal cabling setup and its connection to the charging socket's contact arrangement. For example, single-phase charging systems, commonly used in the US and Japan, have three contact elements arranged in a essentially triangular configuration, with one contact element grounded and two current conductors. In three-phase systems, as commonly used in Europe, the charging socket's contact arrangement comprises five contact elements arranged in two rows, one row with three contact elements and the other with two contact elements. This configuration has a supine "D" shape, with one contact element positioned for grounding and the other four current conductors. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide an adapter system that allows the connector of a cable to be connected to different contact arrangements of different charging sockets.

[0007] This invention achieves this objective with an adapter system for electrically connecting a cable connector along a connecting axis to different contact arrangements of different charging sockets. The adapter system includes an adapter housing with a contact surface extending substantially perpendicular to the connecting axis at its socket-side end, the contact surface having a contact opening that can be inserted along the connecting axis, and a cable interface for connecting a connector at its cable-side end. The adapter system according to the invention further includes at least one fastening element for attaching the adapter housing to the charging socket, and is characterized in that the socket-side end of the adapter housing can be attached to the corresponding charging socket via at least one fastening element according to the contact arrangement, and the contact surface of this end is in a predetermined rotational position relative to the connecting axis. The inventors have surprisingly discovered that a single type of connector for the internal cable can be used for electrical connection to various geometries and different contact arrangements in the charging socket, depending on the rotational position of the contact surface of the adapter housing when attached to the corresponding charging socket. Therefore, the adapter system according to the invention enables the connection of a universal connector to different charging sockets.

[0008] A predetermined rotational position relative to the connecting axis means that a contact surface extending substantially perpendicular to the connecting axis rotates about the connecting axis, wherein the contact surface remains substantially perpendicular to the connecting axis throughout the rotation.

[0009] In summary, this means that for different contact arrangements of different charging sockets, the adapter system according to the invention does not require specific plug connections for cables, such as specific plug connections for internal cables of motor-driven transport equipment. Instead, the adapter system according to the invention can be inserted between the cable connector and the contact arrangement of the charging socket, which simplifies the manufacturing process.

[0010] The invention can be further improved by the following embodiments, which are advantageous in themselves and can be randomly combined with each other.

[0011] According to an exemplary embodiment, the fastening element can be configured to close a cover on the rear side of a corresponding charging socket, wherein a contact opening penetrates the cover. The rear side of the charging socket refers to the end of the charging socket opposite its mating surface, which may also be referred to as the charging outlet end. In this embodiment, the fastening element performs two functions. It is used to attach the adapter housing to the corresponding charging socket at a predetermined rotational position relative to the connecting axis. It also seals the charging socket and prevents dirt accumulation. This allows for a particularly compact design. Because the rear side of the charging socket is positioned opposite its mating surface, there is no need to modify the pin-shaped contact elements of the commercially available contact arrangement in the charging socket. When the cover-shaped fastening element is closed and attached, the penetrable contact opening allows for simple and reliable contact with the contact arrangement through the contact opening.

[0012] According to another exemplary embodiment, the cover may include at least one connecting element for securing it to a corresponding charging socket. The connecting element may be, for example, a latching element, such as a latch opening or latching protrusion, or another type, such as a fastening tab or receiving portion. This is preferably a removable connecting element for securing the cover to the charging socket. The cover can be removed again for maintenance, making the interior of the charging socket accessible. The connecting element may be arranged on the cover in a fixed manner. In this way, the arrangement and alignment of the connecting elements can define a rotational position relative to the connecting axis, with the contact surface attached to the corresponding charging socket in this rotational position. If complementary connecting elements are positioned at corresponding points on the rear side of the corresponding charging socket, it ensures that the socket-side end of the adapter housing is attached to the charging socket in a simple and reliable manner, wherein the contact surface of the end is in a predetermined rotational position relative to the connecting axis.

[0013] According to another embodiment, the cover may include an adapter opening that covers the contact surface. A specific rotational position of the contact surface relative to the connection axis can be defined in a simple manner by the shape and / or positioning of the adapter opening. In the case of a non-rotationally symmetric contact surface (e.g., suitable for a "D-shaped" contact surface with, for example, five corresponding contact openings on a three-phase mating surface), the predetermined rotational position can be predefined by an adapter opening of a suitable shape in the cover. For example, a rectangular adapter opening allows only two different orientations. However, the rotational position can also be defined for a rotationally symmetric adapter opening (e.g., a circular adapter opening) by using a suitable coding mechanism (e.g., providing recesses or protrusions at specific locations on a circular shape).

[0014] According to one embodiment, the adapter housing can be configured to attach to a cover. In this way, the contact surface can cover the adapter opening, for example, in different orientations. When the contact surface is substantially rectangular, the adapter housing can be attached to the cover, for example, in two orientations rotated 180° relative to each other. For attachment, for example, the adapter housing may be provided with an assembly device at its receptacle-side end. The assembly device may be, for example, a latch hook at the receptacle-side end that protrudes in the direction of the connecting axis and can engage after the adapter opening in the cover, thus securing the adapter housing to the cover. Other methods of attaching the adapter housing to the cover, such as pressing or tightening, or some other type of form-fit or shape-material fit connection, are also possible.

[0015] According to another embodiment, the adapter housing and adapter module can be integrally formed at the cover. In this embodiment, the adapter system includes at least two adapter modules, the contact surfaces of which are formed on the cover at different predetermined rotational positions relative to the connecting axis. Such adapter modules can be produced in a simple manner by injection molding, which is particularly advantageous for mass production and eliminates additional assembly steps, as required in alternative embodiments where the adapter housing can be attached to the cover. The covers in the different adapter modules can be identical.

[0016] Compared to another of the at least two adapter modules, the contact surface of one of the at least two adapter modules can rotate 180° relative to the connecting axis.

[0017] For example, a rotational position of 180° relative to each other allows for the contact of ordinary single-phase and three-phase connector faces with a universal connector. The inventors have discovered that the triangular shape of the ground and two current-carrying contacts in a single-phase contact arrangement, after being rotated 180°, can be found in a standard contact arrangement on a three-phase connector face, where the ground is the middle one of the charging socket contact elements in a three-contact row, and the two current-carrying charging socket contact elements are in two contact rows.

[0018] According to another embodiment, the adapter housing may include a locking element for securing the connected connector in a cable interface. For example, the locking element may be a protrusion or opening into which a complementary locking element of the connector engages in a form-fitting manner when the connector is properly seated in the cable interface. The latching element, as a locking element, has the advantage of allowing for repeated disassembly and reassembly.

[0019] According to another embodiment, the locking element can be arranged statically relative to the contact surface. In this way, the locking element remains at the same circumferential position on the contact surface for each rotational position. Therefore, the position of the locking element relative to the contact surface does not change with different rotational positions. In other words, when the contact surface rotates to different rotational positions, the locking element, which is statically arranged relative to the contact surface, rotates through the same rotation angle.

[0020] To coordinate the charging socket contact elements of the charging socket's contact arrangement with the contact openings of the adapter housing, the adapter system may include at least one guiding element. The guiding element is used to adjust the geometry and / or configuration of the contact arrangement. An exemplary guiding element is a contact bridge for electrically connecting at least two contact openings of a contact surface. Such a contact bridge, for example, allows the electrical connection of a charging socket contact element of a contact arrangement associated with one contact opening to be distributed or branched to another contact opening on the contact surface. The contact bridge allows charging current to be distributed from one contact element of the charging socket's contact arrangement to two contact elements of the connector, or vice versa.

[0021] Another option for the guiding element is a contact redirector, which is used to change the spacing between the two charging socket contact elements in the contact arrangement. Therefore, the contact redirector allows for alteration of the contact arrangement geometry of the charging socket and its adaptation to the geometry of the vehicle's internal cables at the connector.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the contact bridge may include a contact element and a connecting element, the contact element protruding through one of at least two contact openings, and the connecting element being electrically connected to the contact element and associated with the other of the at least two contact openings. For example, the connecting element may be a connecting opening for receiving a contact pin. The connecting element may include connecting means for making electrical and mechanical connections with the contact elements of the charging socket arrangement. For example, the connecting means may be a pressing protrusion or a pressing wing, or may enable the connecting element to connect to other elements or areas of the contact elements of the contact arrangement by pressing, crimping, holeless riveting, fusion welding, welding, etc.

[0023] In one embodiment, the contact bridge can be formed in an L-shape, wherein the contact elements of the contact bridge extend substantially perpendicular to the connection opening. The contact elements and the connection elements can be connected to each other via conductive sections. For example, the charging section can be a conductive strip, i.e., a strip-shaped sheet of conductive metal, wherein the contact elements protrude perpendicularly from the conductive strip, for example at one end of the conductive strip, and the connection opening is formed therein, for example at the other opposite end of the conductive strip. The contact redirector can be configured and arranged in an L-shape in a similar manner.

[0024] An embodiment with two contact bridges allows for a simple conversion of a single-phase charging socket with its three contact elements into a connector with a conductor arrangement of five contact elements in a "D-shape" configuration on a conventional three-phase mating surface. Each of the two contact bridges connects one of its contact openings to a corresponding external contact element in one of the three contact rows, said contact opening being associated with a contact element in one of the two contact rows.

[0025] According to another embodiment, the connecting element may be arranged on the surface of the contact surface located on the receptacle side. The receptacle-side surface is the side of the contact surface facing the charging receptacle, i.e., the surface of the contact surface facing away from the cable interface. When the adapter housing is connected to the charging receptacle, the contact elements of the charging receptacle's contact arrangement can extend through the contact opening. During attachment, the contact elements apply pressure to the connecting element arranged on the receptacle-side surface as they pass through the contact opening, thereby facilitating proper connection with their connecting element.

[0026] The present invention also relates to a component kit for electrically connecting a cable connector along a connecting axis to different contact arrangements of different charging sockets (e.g., different charging sockets of a motor-driven transport device). The component kit includes at least two charging sockets, each having a defined mating face, and contact arrangements in the at least two charging sockets conforming to the respective mating faces. As described above, the component kit also includes an adapter system according to the present invention. In one embodiment, the component kit may further include a cable connector compatible with a cable interface.

[0027] Another aspect of the invention relates to the use of an adapter system of the invention for electrically connecting a cable connector along a connecting axis to different contact arrangements of different charging sockets (e.g., electric motor-driven transport equipment). When used according to the invention, the end of the adapter housing on the socket side is attached to the corresponding charging socket by at least one fastening element according to the contact arrangement, and the contact surface of that end is in a predetermined rotational position relative to the connecting axis.

[0028] Another aspect of the invention is a contact arrangement of a charging socket having charging socket contact elements arranged in a contact mounting member, wherein at least one of the aforementioned guiding elements is connected to one of the charging socket contact elements. Attached Figure Description

[0029] The invention will now be described in more detail using exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which different features of the exemplary embodiments may be combined with each other as needed, based on the above description. In particular, if the effect of an individual feature is necessary for a particular application, these features may be added to existing embodiments based on the above description. Conversely, if the technical effect of an individual feature is not important for a particular application, these features may be omitted from existing embodiments. Similar, identical, and functionally identical elements in the drawings are given the same reference numerals within the appropriate scope.

[0030] In the attached diagram:

[0031] Figure 1 A first exemplary embodiment of the adapter system is shown in a perspective front view;

[0032] Figure 2 : Shown from the perspective of the other side Figure 1 The adapter module of the adapter system in the middle;

[0033] Figure 3 and Figure 4 This illustrates another exemplary embodiment of the adapter system;

[0034] Figure 5 Exemplary embodiments of a component kit for electrical connections of a connector for a cable are shown, along with contact arrangements for different charging sockets;

[0035] Figure 6 : A perspective view showing two different charging sockets electrically connected to the connector via an adapter system;

[0036] Figure 7 It shows Figure 6 An exploded perspective view of the parts kit for the charging socket shown on the left;

[0037] Figure 8 : Shown as viewed from its rear side Figure 7 Exploded view;

[0038] Figure 9 and Figure 10 : Shows what can be used Figure 6 Exemplary contact arrangement in the charging socket on the right;

[0039] Figure 11 An exemplary embodiment of the contact arrangement in another embodiment is shown;

[0040] Figure 12 and Figure 13 An exploded perspective view is shown, which illustrates the perspective view used for Figure 6 The charging socket shown on the right Figure 5 Another exemplary assembly of the parts kit. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The principles of the adapter system according to the present invention, as well as the principles of the parts kit and its components, will be described below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0042] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A first embodiment of the adapter system 1 is shown, which is used to electrically connect the connector 2 of the cable 3 along the connecting axis 7 to different contact arrangements 4 of different charging sockets 5, 6 (i.e., three-phase charging socket 5 and single-phase charging socket 6).

[0043] The adapter system 1 includes an adapter housing 8. The adapter housing 8 has a contact surface 10 on its socket-side end 9. The contact surface 10 extends substantially perpendicular to the connecting axis 7 and includes a contact opening 11. The contact opening 11 can be passed through along the connecting axis 7. Therefore, the contact surface 10 can be passed through the contact opening 11 in the direction of the connecting axis 7 to establish an electrical connection.

[0044] The adapter housing 8 also includes a cable interface 13 on the cable-side end 12 for connecting the connector 2. When viewed along the connecting axis 7, the cable-side end 12 is located at the end of the adapter housing 8 opposite the socket-side end 9. The cable interface 13 is compatible with the connector 2. The connector 2 can be connected to the cable interface 13 of the adapter housing 8, wherein the connector 2 is introduced into the cable interface 13 along the connecting axis 7. In the installed state (see example...), Figure 6 In the connector, the connector contact 14 is aligned with the contact opening 11 along the connection axis 7. The connector contact 14 is, for example, a socket contact that is electrically connected to the conductor of the cable 3.

[0045] The adapter system 1 also includes fastening elements 15 for attaching the adapter housing 8 to the charging sockets 5, 6. The end 9 of the adapter housing 8 on the socket side is attached to the corresponding charging socket 5, 6 by at least one fastening element 15, which will be described in more detail below.

[0046] In the adapter system 1 according to the invention, the end 9 of the adapter housing 8 on the socket side can be attached to the corresponding charging socket 5, 6 by fastening element 15 according to the contact arrangement 4, and its contact surface 10 is in predetermined rotational positions R1, R2 relative to the connecting axis 7. In the exemplary embodiment shown in the drawings, the two rotational positions R1 and R2 are illustrated. In rotational position R1, the contact surface 10 is rotated 180° relative to rotational position R2, as shown in… Figure 1 as well as Figure 3 and Figure 4 Clearly visible in the image. This invention enables the same connector 2 to electrically contact different contact arrangements 4 of different charging sockets 5, 6 in a structurally simple yet highly efficient manner, thereby connecting the contact arrangements 4 to, for example, an internal battery (not shown) of an electric motor-driven transport device. All that is required for this is that the contact surface 10 of the adapter housing 8 is attached to the corresponding charging sockets 5, 6 by fastening elements 15 at specific rotational positions R1, R2 according to the contact arrangements.

[0047] Different rotational positions R1, R2 are obtained by rotating the contact surface 10 about the connecting axis 7 (e.g., as shown in the figure). Figure 4 (As indicated by the arrow in the diagram), the rotating contact surface 10 extends perpendicular to the connecting axis 7. The contact surface 10 always remains in the same plane, that is, the contact surface 10 remains substantially perpendicular to the connecting axis 7 during rotation.

[0048] The fastening element 15 can be configured as a cover 16. The rear side 17 of the respective charging sockets 5, 6 can be closed by the cover 16. The rear side 17 is the end of the charging sockets 5, 6, which is arranged opposite to the mating surface 18 of the charging sockets 5, 6. An external cable for charging the internal battery of the transport equipment is externally connected to the mating surface 18. For different charging sockets 5, 6, the mating surface 18 has performance characteristics conforming to the contact arrangement 4 used in the respective charging sockets 5, 6. This is necessary so that the corresponding contact arrangement 4 can be electrically contacted by an external connector (not shown) through the mating surface 18. The rear side 17 of the charging sockets 5, 6 is closed by the fastening element 15 configured as a cover 16, which will be described in more detail below.

[0049] The cover 16 may include connecting elements 19 for securing to corresponding charging sockets 5, 6. Connecting elements 19 may include latching elements 20, which establish a removable form-fit connection to complementary locking elements 21 of the charging sockets 5, 6 to secure the cover 16 to the corresponding charging sockets 5, 6. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 16 includes two latching elements 20 as connecting elements 19. These latching elements 20 are arranged at oppositely positioned points on the circumference of the cover 16 and configured as latch openings 22. Latch openings 22 are formed in resiliently deflectable tabs 23, which together with corresponding latch protrusions 24 of the charging sockets 5, 6 form a latch. The latching of the latch openings 22 and the latch protrusions 24 can be, for example... Figure 6 I saw it in the middle.

[0050] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the embodiment of the adapter system 1 shown, the adapter housing 8 is integrally formed on the cover 16. Integral formation means that the adapter housing 8 and the cover 16 are formed from a single part, for example, as an injection molded part. This facilitates sealing the rear side 17 of the charging socket through the cover 16. An adapter module 25 is formed, with its adapter housing 8 securely attached to the cover 16. In this embodiment, the adapter system 1 includes at least two adapter modules 25, 25'. The contact surfaces 10 of the different adapter modules 25 or 25' are respectively formed on the cover 16 at predetermined different rotational positions R1 or R2 relative to the connecting axis 7.

[0051] Apart from the contact surfaces being arranged in different rotational positions R1, R2, the covers 16 in the adapter modules 25, 25' can be identical. This can be seen, for example, in... Figure 1 In addition, the cover 16 may also be provided with various other features, such as connecting elements for control lines, other interfaces, etc., which are not related to the present invention and will not be discussed in detail here.

[0052] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 Of the two adapter modules 25 and 25' shown, compared to the other adapter module 25', the contact surface 10 in adapter module 25 is rotated 180° relative to the connecting axis 7.

[0053] The adapter housing 8 may include a locking element 26 for securing the connected connector 2 to the cable interface 13. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking element 26 is configured, for example, as a locking protrusion 27 that protrudes from the outside of the cable interface 13 and provides a form-fit connection (e.g., a latch) to a complementary locking hook 28 disposed on the connector 2. The latch prevents the connector 2 from unintentionally detaching from the cable interface 13.

[0054] The locking element 26 can be arranged in a stationary manner relative to the contact surface 10. Stationary means that the spatial relationship between the locking element 26 and the contact surface 10 does not change, and the locking element 26 is positioned at the same circumferential position on the contact surface 10 in each rotational position R1, R2. The locking element 26 thus rotates together, for example in… Figures 1 to 4 As can be seen in the image. Locking element 26 also provides a coding that ensures that connector 2 can only be connected to the adapter interface in the position required for electrical connection.

[0055] The adapter system 1 may also include guiding elements 29, such as contact bridges 30 or contact redirectors 31. The geometry (i.e., spatial arrangement relative to each other) or configuration (i.e., the number of charging socket contact elements 38 in the contact arrangement 4) can therefore be adapted, if necessary, to the arrangement of the connector contacts 14 in the universal connector 2. An exemplary guiding element 29 is shown in... Figure 1 As shown in the figure. The appearance of these guide elements 29 and how to use them will be described in more detail below.

[0056] The following will be referenced Figure 3 and Figure 4 Another embodiment of the exemplary adapter system 1 is described.

[0057] In this embodiment, the cover 16 includes an adapter opening 32 that covers the contact surface 10. An adapter housing 8 is configured to be attachable to the cover 16. The adapter housing 8 can cover the adapter opening 32 in different orientations, thus providing different rotational positions R1, R2. Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the example shown, the adapter housing 8 can be attached to the cover 16 in two orientations that can rotate 180° relative to each other.

[0058] To securely attach the adapter housing 8 to the cover 16, the adapter housing 8 (particularly at its end 9 on the socket side) and / or the cover 16 (particularly in the area including the adapter opening 32) may be provided with assembly devices (not shown). Assembly devices may be, for example, snap-fit, flanges with connecting sections (e.g., screw-in openings or welded sections). Shape-fitting connections may also be achieved by applying adhesive.

[0059] The correct alignment of the adapter housing 8 on the cover 16 can be specified by the alignment member 33. Figure 3 and Figure 4In an exemplary embodiment, two alignment recesses 34 or cavities arranged along the adapter opening 32, offset from each other by 180°, form alignment members 33. These alignment recesses are used to receive alignment teeth 35, which are arranged on the end 9 of the adapter housing 8 on the socket side and fit precisely into the alignment recesses 34 of the adapter opening 32. A predetermined alignment of the adapter housing 8 in the alignment opening 32 of the cover 16 is specified in this way, depending on which of the two alignment recesses the alignment teeth 35 are inserted into.

[0060] exist Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the exemplary embodiment shown, only two orientations rotated 180° relative to each other are possible. This is determined by the rectangular cross-section of the adapter housing 8. However, alternative configurations (not shown) are also possible, in which the contact surface 10 is, for example, circular and thus rotationally symmetrical, and in which different orientations of the adapter housing 8 on the cover 16 (e.g., three orientations rotated 120° relative to each other or four orientations rotated 90°) are possible.

[0061] The following text is for reference only. Figure 5 An exemplary parts kit 36 ​​is shown for electrically connecting the connector 2 of the cable 3 to different contact arrangements 4 of different charging sockets 5, 6.

[0062] Parts kit 36 ​​includes the adapter system 1 according to the invention. Figure 5 An adapter system 1 is shown, for example, including a cover 16 as a fastening element 15, the cover 16 having an adapter opening 32, and an adapter housing 8 that can be attached to the adapter opening 32, such as... Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown. Figure 5 The adapter system 1 of parts kit 36 ​​also includes Figure 1 The guide element 29 is shown and will be described in more detail below. The parts kit 36 ​​further includes at least two charging sockets 5, 6, exactly two in the illustrated embodiment, each charging socket including a defined mating surface 18, and the at least two charging sockets having contact arrangements 4 conforming to the respective mating surface 18. For example... Figures 7 to 13 The possible contact arrangement for assembly can be seen in section 4. Figure 5 Only components of the contact arrangement 4 are shown, namely the contact mount 37 and the charging socket contact element 38. In the exemplary embodiment, two different charging socket contact elements 38 are shown: a ground contact 39 and a current contact 40, both of which are essentially pin-shaped, but may differ from each other in terms of their length and the diameter of some of their sections.

[0063] Figure 5The illustrated parts kit 36 ​​also includes a connector 2 with connector contacts 14. The geometry and configuration of the connector contacts 14 of connector 2 are complementary to the configuration and geometry of the contact openings 11 in the contact surface 10. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the contact configuration and / or geometry are based on the contact configuration and / or geometry in a three-phase charging system. This three-phase charging system includes a total of five contacts or contact openings, arranged in a “D” shape in two rows, with three contacts (or contact openings) in one row and two contacts (or contact openings) in adjacent rows. The middle contact of the three-contact row is a neutral conductor for grounding. The other four are current conductors. Connector 2 is electrically connected to cable 3, and connector 2 (specifically connector contacts 14 of connector 2) is compatible with cable interface 13. Only the end segment of cable 3 is shown schematically. The other end of this cable leads to a rechargeable battery, for example, in a motor-driven transport device (not shown).

[0064] In particular, the use of adapter system 1 and other inventive aspects will be referred to below. Figures 6 to 13 Let's have a discussion.

[0065] First of all Figure 6 The image shows the component kit 36 ​​in its installed state. In this installed state, the contact arrangement 4 is positioned in the corresponding charging sockets 5 and 6, such that it conforms to the corresponding mating surfaces 18. One of the charging sockets 5 is a three-phase charging socket type CCS2. In addition to the five openings arranged in a supine D-shape (these five openings are in...) Figure 5 The circled area is for illustrative purposes, and the central opening of three of the five opening rows (as grounding contact opening 44, associated with grounding contact 39) is shown. The mating surface of the charging socket 5 includes two uncircled openings for signal contacts 41. These signal contacts 41 are used to verify correct electrical connections and control the charging process.

[0066] Another charging socket 6 is of type CCS 1. It is a single-phase charging socket 6 and also includes two signal contacts 41, which correspond to smaller openings in the central circular geometry of the connector face. In addition to the ground contact 39, the single-phase charging socket 6 also includes two current contacts 40 associated with an opening marked "S". In the connector face of the single-phase charging socket 6, the opening E for grounding and the opening S for current are located at the corners of a triangle.

[0067] Each contact arrangement 4 is arranged to correspond to the respective mating surface 18 of the charging socket 5, 6. The cover 16 closes the rear side 17 of the charging socket 5, 6, such that the latch opening 22 and the latch protrusion 24 are latched together. The connector 2 is arranged in the cable interface 13 and is locked by the locking protrusion 27 and the locking hook 28 to prevent accidental removal. An electrical connection is established in this state. The connector contact 14 of the connector 2 is electrically connected to the charging socket contact element 38 of the contact arrangement 4. The end 9 of the adapter housing 8 on the socket side is attached to the corresponding charging socket 5, 6 by the fastening element 15 (i.e., the cover 16) according to the contact arrangement 4, and its contact surface 10 is in a predetermined rotational position R1, R2 relative to the connecting axis 7. This is achieved by the following fact: Figure 3 In the three-phase charging socket 5, the locking element 26 points upwards. In contrast, the locking element 26 in the single-phase charging socket 6, which is in another rotational position R1, is downwards and therefore not visible.

[0068] Next reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 It shows Figure 6 An exploded view of an embodiment of the charging socket type 5 CCS 2 shown on the left. The various components of the part system are... Figure 7 and Figure 8 Shown in an exploded view and stretched along connecting axis 7. The parts system includes a three-phase charging socket 5 with a standardized connector face, a universal connector 2, and in the illustrated embodiment includes Figure 1 The adapter module 25' is shown in the diagram and has been described in more detail above.

[0069] The component system also includes a contact arrangement 4 with contact mounts 37. The contact mounts 37 are plate-shaped and include seven channels serving as support points 45 for the contacts, their configuration and geometry corresponding to the seven openings in the mating face 18 of the CCS 2 connector. In this way, the center ground contact 39 and the four current contacts 40 of the three-phase system are correctly aligned with each other and conform to the connector face. In this embodiment, the contact arrangement 4 also includes two signal contacts 41. The adapter system 1 ensures that the end 9 on the socket side of the adapter housing 8 is attached to the charging socket 5 by fastening elements 15, and that its contact surface 10 is in a predetermined rotational position R2 relative to the connecting axis 7. This ensures that the universal connector 2 can only be connected to the cable interface 13 in a predetermined orientation, where the corresponding connector contacts 14 are correctly connected to the current contacts 40 and ground contacts 39 of the contact arrangement 4.

[0070] exist Figure 7 and Figure 8In the illustrated embodiment, the component system further includes a sealing element 42. The sealing element 42 is configured as a sealing ring 43, the shape of which corresponds to the circumference of the respective cover 16 or rear side 17 of the charging sockets 5 and 6. The closure of the rear side 17 of the charging socket 5 can be sealed by the cover 16 using the sealing element 42, and the interior of the charging sockets 5 and 6 with the contact arrangement 4 is protected against dirt.

[0071] Figure 9 and Figure 10 Different contact arrangements 4 are shown for use with the CCS 1 of charging socket type 6. This contact arrangement 4 also includes contact mounts 37 and two signal contacts 41. The charging socket 6 is single-phase and therefore has only two current contacts 40 in addition to one ground contact 39. This geometry and configuration of the contact arrangement 4 can only connect to the connector 2 when the adapter housing 8 is rotated 180° and the contact surface 10 is in the rotation position R1, in which the connector 2 can only connect when rotated 180°. In this rotation position R1, the ground contact 39 of the connector 2 associated with the ground contact opening 44 of the contact opening 11 is not above the two contact rows, but below them. Figure 3 The three contact openings 11, surrounded by a triangle, are thus positioned in the direction of the connecting axis 7, aligned with the grounding contact and the two current contacts 40. In this way, the charging socket 6... Figure 9 The single-phase contact arrangement 4 in the middle can be with Figure 7 and Figure 8 The same connector 2 is electrically connected in the three-phase embodiment.

[0072] Finally, it should be discussed Figures 11 to 13 Another embodiment of part kit 36 ​​is shown here, which again uses a different configuration of contact arrangement 4. This particular contact arrangement 4 is also considered an independent invention and should be described in more detail below, especially with reference to Figure 11 .

[0073] Figure 12 and Figure 13 The parts kit 36 ​​shown includes a universal connector 2 and its cable 3, as detailed above. The charging socket 6 is unipolar, as... Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown in the embodiments.

[0074] Figures 11 to 13 The contact arrangement 4 is unipolar in its basic structure. The contact mounting 37 includes five support points 45 for arranging the grounding contact 39, two current contacts 40 and two signal contacts 41 in accordance with the common geometry and configuration of single-phase charging sockets (such as SAE J1772 or CCS-1 type).

[0075] Figures 11 to 13 The contact arrangement 4 shown or the adapter system 1 described in these figures each include an additional guiding element 29. In an exemplary embodiment, the two contact bridges 30 and the contact redirector 31 serve as guiding elements 29 for the adapter system 1 or the contact arrangement 4 according to the invention.

[0076] The guide element 29 can be used to selectively modify the configuration and / or geometry of the contact arrangement 4 and to properly connect any contact arrangement to the universal connector 2.

[0077] It is conceivable that the contact geometry of contact arrangement 4 may not match the spatial arrangement of connector contacts 14 in connector 2. In some cases, it may be necessary to move the contact points. In this case, adapter system 1 may include contact redirection element 31 for changing the spacing between the two contact elements of contact arrangement 4. Figure 11 The contact redirector 31 is seen, which causes the grounding element to move an alignment distance d1.

[0078] If a different configuration is required, for example, by converting the single-pole contact arrangement 4 with one ground contact 39 and only two current contacts 41 into a three-pole system with one ground contact and four current contacts, the contact bridge 30 can be used as the guide element 29.

[0079] For this purpose, a contact bridge can be used in one embodiment (not shown) to electrically connect the two contact openings 11 of the contact surface 10. The current flowing through one current contact 40 will then be distributed to the two contacts associated with the two contact openings 11 electrically connected to each other via the contact bridge 30.

[0080] exist Figure 1 and Figures 11 to 13 In the illustrated embodiment, the guide element 29 includes a connection segment, such as a connection opening 46 for receiving a charging socket contact element 38 (e.g., a current contact 40). In the illustrated embodiment, the guide element 29 also includes a contact pin 47. The longitudinal axis of the contact pin 47 may extend laterally offset relative to the connection opening 46, but is substantially perpendicular to the plane formed by the connection opening 46. The connection element 48 (e.g., the connection opening 46) can be electrically connected to the contact pin 47 via a conductive segment 49.

[0081] The distance between the contact pin 47 and the connecting element 48 determines the distance d1, which can be offset by the contact pins 39 and 40 of the contact arrangement 4 via the contact redirector 31. For the contact bridge 30, it provides the option to provide additional contact pins 47 in the adapter system 1 and make contact with the connector contact 14 to distribute the charging current evenly across the multiple contacts.

[0082] like Figure 11 As shown, the basic single-pole contact arrangement 4 can be modified in this way for use in a three-pole cable 3, either by the adapter system 1 according to the invention or by the contact arrangement 4 according to the invention.

[0083] The connection opening 46 forms a connection element 48, which is electrically connected to the contacts 39, 40 of the contact arrangement 4. The connection element 48 (e.g., the connection opening 46) may include a connection device 50. For example, the connection device 50 may be a plastically deformable pressable protrusion or pressable tooth, and may establish a form-fit press connection with the contacts 39, 40 of the contact arrangement 4. Alternative options for the connection device 50 may be a press-fit wing or an area for a form-fit connection, such as fusion welding, welding, or hole-free riveting.

[0084] exist Figure 1 and Figure 11 In an exemplary embodiment, the guide element 29 is substantially L-shaped, wherein the stylus 47 represents one leg, the conductive segment 49 represents another leg that extends substantially perpendicular to the stylus 47, and a connecting element 48 (e.g., a connecting opening 46) is formed in the conductive segment 49. The conductive segment 49 may be, for example, a strip-shaped element, i.e., a conductive strip, such as a conductive strip in the form of a wing.

[0085] exist Figure 12 and Figure 13 In the exemplary embodiment of the adapter system 1 shown, it includes Figure 11 The guide element 29 and the connecting element 28 shown are arranged on the socket-side surface 51 of the contact surface 10. The socket-side surface 51 is the surface pointing towards the charging sockets 5 and 6, that is, the side facing away from the cable interface 13.

[0086] Figure Labels

[0087] 1. Adapter System

[0088] 2 connectors

[0089] 3 cables

[0090] 4. Contact Arrangement

[0091] 5 charging sockets, three-phase

[0092] 6 charging sockets, single phase

[0093] 7 Connecting axis

[0094] 8 adapter housing

[0095] 9. End of socket side

[0096] 10 contact surfaces

[0097] 11 Contact opening

[0098] 12. End of cable side

[0099] 13 Cable Interface

[0100] 14 Connector Contacts

[0101] 15 Fastening Components

[0102] 16 caps

[0103] 17. Rear side of the charging socket

[0104] 18 plug faces of the charging socket

[0105] 19 Connecting elements

[0106] 20 latching elements

[0107] 21 Complementary latching elements

[0108] 22 latch openings

[0109] 23 convex plates

[0110] 24 latching protrusions

[0111] 25, 25" adapter module

[0112] 26 locking elements

[0113] 27 Locking protrusion

[0114] 28 Locking Hook

[0115] 29 guiding elements

[0116] 30 contact bridge

[0117] 31 Contact Redirector

[0118] 32 adapter opening

[0119] 33 Alignment Components

[0120] 34 Align with the recess / cavity

[0121] 35 Alignment Teeth

[0122] 36-part kit

[0123] 37 Contact Mounting Part

[0124] 38 Charging socket contact elements

[0125] 39 Grounding Contact

[0126] 40 Current Contact

[0127] 41 signal contact

[0128] 42 Sealing elements

[0129] 43 sealing ring

[0130] 44 Grounding contact opening

[0131] 45 support point

[0132] 46 connection openings

[0133] 47 styluses

[0134] 48 connecting elements

[0135] 49 Conductive Sections

[0136] 50 connecting devices

[0137] Surface of 51 socket side

[0138] E grounding

[0139] Rotation positions of R1 and R2

[0140] S current

Claims

1. An adapter system (1) for electrically connecting a connector (2) of a cable (3) along a connecting axis (7) to different contact arrangements (4) of different charging sockets (5, 6), the adapter system comprising: - An adapter housing (8) includes a contact surface (10) at its socket-side end (9), the contact surface extending substantially perpendicular to the connecting axis (7) and having a contact opening (11) that can be inserted along the connecting axis (7), and the adapter housing includes a cable interface for connecting the connector (2) at its cable-side end (12), and - At least one fastening element (15) for attaching the adapter housing (8) to the charging socket (5, 6), The adapter housing (8) at the socket side end (9) can be attached to the corresponding charging socket by the at least one fastening element (15) according to the contact arrangement (4), and the contact surface (10) of the end is in a predetermined rotational position (R1, R2) relative to the connecting axis (7). The fastening element (15) is configured as a cover (16) for closing the rear side (17) of the corresponding charging socket (5, 6). The contact opening (11) is inserted into the cover (16) at the rear side. The adapter housing (8) is integrally formed on the cover (16) and forms adapter modules (25, 25'). The adapter system (1) includes at least two adapter modules (25, 25'), and the contact surfaces (10) of the at least two adapter modules (25, 25') are formed on the cover (16) at predetermined different rotational positions (R1, R2) relative to the connecting axis (7).

2. The adapter system (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The cover (16) includes at least one connecting element (19) for securing the cover to the corresponding charging socket (5, 6).

3. The adapter system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The cover (16) includes an adapter opening (32) covered by the contact surface (10).

4. The adapter system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The adapter housing (8) is configured to be attached to the cover (16).

5. The adapter system (1) according to claim 4, wherein, The adapter housing (8) can be attached to the cover (16) in at least two orientations.

6. The adapter system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, Compared to the other (25') of the at least two adapter modules, the contact surface (10) of one of the at least two adapter modules is rotated 180° relative to the connecting axis (7).

7. The adapter system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The adapter housing (8) includes a locking element (26) for securing the connected connector (2) in the cable interface (13).

8. The adapter system (1) according to claim 7, wherein, The locking element (26) is arranged in a stationary manner relative to the contact surface (10).

9. The adapter system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The adapter system (1) includes at least one guide element (29) for adjusting the geometry and / or configuration of the contact arrangement (4), wherein the guide element (29) includes a contact bridge (30) for electrically connecting at least two contact openings (11) of the contact surface (10) and / or a contact redirector (31) for changing the spacing between two charging socket contacts (38).

10. The adapter system (1) according to claim 9, wherein, The contact bridge (30) may include a guide contact element and a connecting element (48), the guide contact element protruding through one of the at least two contact openings (11), and the connecting element (48) being electrically connected to the guide contact element and associated with the other of the at least two contact openings (11).

11. The adapter system (1) according to claim 10, wherein, The connecting element (48) is arranged on the surface (51) on the socket side of the contact surface (10).

12. The adapter system (1) according to claim 5, wherein, The at least two orientations are rotated 180° relative to each other.

13. A component kit (36) for electrically connecting a connector (2) of a cable (3) along a connecting axis (7) to different contact arrangements (4) of different charging sockets (5, 6), the component kit comprising: - The adapter system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, and - At least two charging sockets (5, 6), each of the at least two charging sockets including a defined plug surface (18), and having a contact arrangement (4) in the at least two charging sockets conforming to the corresponding plug surface (18); -The component kit (36) further includes a connector (2) for a cable (3) compatible with the cable interface (13).

14. Use of an adapter system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, for electrically connecting a connector (2) of a cable (3) along a connecting axis (7) to different contact arrangements (4) of different charging sockets (5, 6), wherein, The end (9) of the adapter housing (8) on the socket side is attached to the corresponding charging socket (5, 6) by the at least one fastening element (15) according to the contact arrangement (4), and the contact surface (10) of the end (9) is in a predetermined rotational position (R1, R2) relative to the connecting axis (7).

Images