Charging flap system for electrically driven vehicles

Abstract

Proposed is a charging flap system for electrically driven vehicles, comprising a charging socket holder and a charging socket with an outer wall, an inner wall and a cavity and a DC electrical interface, a charging flap which is connected to the charging socket holder and which can cover and release the DC electrical interface. A side recess and a retaining hook are provided on the rotary hinge. The retaining hook comprises a socket pin whose lower side can be moved on the charging socket holder, a hinge pin which is connected to the end region opposite the socket pin tip and which leads away from the charging socket holder, the free end of which has a retaining lug. A spring is arranged on the hinge pin. The tip of the socket pin can pass through a recess in the outer wall of the charging socket. In the closed state of the charging socket cover, the retaining lug rests on the region of the rotary hinge which does not have a side recess, the tip of the socket pin passes through the outer wall but does not extend into the cavity, in the open state of the charging socket cover, the retaining lug engages into the side recess and the tip of the socket pin extends into the cavity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a charging flip-top system for electric vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] Electric vehicles, such as electric or hybrid vehicles, have an energy storage device configured as a high-voltage memory and an electric motor for driving the vehicle. Charging of the vehicle's energy storage device is performed via special charging sockets having an AC interface and / or a DC interface. The charging sockets are arranged in a charging socket holder, which is located within a so-called charging flip-top system and positioned behind an opening in the vehicle's outer shell. When not in use, both charging sockets are closed by a cover fixed to the vehicle's outer shell. Furthermore, at least the DC charging socket is covered by a charging socket cover that serves both as a contact protection device and a corrosion protection device.

[0003] If fast charging, i.e., charging with direct current (DC), is required, open not only the fuel tank cap but also the charging flip cover, i.e., the DC charging socket cover. The charging plug can then be connected to the charging socket to begin the charging process.

[0004] In other words, during DC charging, both covers must be removed by the user and reinstalled after the charging process is complete. To achieve comfortable charging, a movable contact protection device is proposed in DE102017222503A1, which can be moved not only manually but also by means of an electric drive. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of this invention is to design the charging process to be more comfortable for the user. According to the invention, this object is achieved by a charging flip-top system for electric vehicles.

[0006] A charging flip-top system for an electric vehicle is proposed, comprising a charging socket holder and a charging socket fixed in the holder, the charging socket having an outer wall, an inner wall, and a cavity between the outer and inner walls, the charging socket having at least one DC electrical interface, and a charging flip-top rotatably connected to the holder via a rotary hinge with a return spring, the charging flip-top covering the DC electrical interface in a first position and releasing the DC electrical interface in a second position. A side recess arranged on the rotary hinge and a retaining hook are also provided. The retaining hook has a socket pin, the underside of which is movable on the holder, and the pin having a tip pointing towards the DC electrical interface. Furthermore, the retaining hook has a hinge pin connected to an end region opposite the tip and extending away from the holder at a predetermined angle, wherein the free end of the hinge pin has a retaining lug corresponding to the side recess. Furthermore, a spring is arranged on the hinge pin such that the hinge pin is pressed towards the charging socket. Additionally, a recess is arranged in the outer wall of the charging socket such that the tip of the socket pin can pass through the recess. The side recess and retaining hook of the rotating hinge are arranged such that, in the closed state of the charging socket cover, the retaining lug abuts against the area of ​​the rotating hinge without the side recess, allowing the tip of the socket pin to pass through the outer wall but not into the cavity; and in the open state of the charging socket cover, the side recess is arranged such that the retaining lug engages with the side recess and the tip of the socket pin extends into the cavity.

[0007] By combining features of a side recess on the rotating hinge, a retaining lug for engaging with the side recess, and a retaining hook that extends through the opening into the charging socket when the charging socket cover is open, the closing of the charging socket cover can be achieved automatically. This is achieved by the charging plug being inserted into the charging socket, i.e., into the cavity (the tip of which extends into the cavity when the charging socket cover is open), the charging plug overcomes the spring force to push the tip out of the cavity. This causes the retaining lug to disengage from the side recess, and the rotating hinge, along with the charging socket cover, moves towards the closed position. The charging plug prevents the charging socket cover from closing completely. However, once the charging plug is unplugged, the charging socket cover closes due to a spring on the rotating hinge, which is also designed such that the rotating hinge should place the charging socket cover in the closed position.

[0008] Furthermore, it is specified that the hinge pin is constructed of a material capable of elastic deformation. This provides protection against breakage of the hinge pin under excessive force.

[0009] Furthermore, it is specified that a sealing element is provided between the charging socket retainer and the outer wall of the DC charging socket in such a way that the environment surrounding the opening is sealed relative to the opening. It is also specified that a sealing element is provided in the area of ​​the retaining hook in such a way that the sealing element externally seals the spring and the socket pin. The sealing element serves to protect the component from external influences and thus improve the service life of the component.

[0010] Furthermore, it is specified that an assembly hook is provided on the underside of the socket pin, and a groove is provided in the charging socket retainer, the assembly hook being guided in the groove after assembly. In one embodiment, the assembly hook is arranged outside the groove in the assembly groove for assembly purposes, the assembly groove being arranged in the region of the groove opposite to the charging socket. The assembly hook allows the retaining hook to be held in a predetermined position for assembly, simplifying the assembly process. After assembly is completed, the assembly hook is no longer needed, or it can be used as a guide element in the groove provided for the assembly hook. Here, the groove is arranged such that the assembly hook does not obstruct the movement of the socket pin.

[0011] Furthermore, it is specified that the charging socket is a combined charging socket including an AC charging socket and a DC charging socket, wherein the charging socket cover is provided for the DC charging socket and / or for the AC charging socket. The proposed charging socket cover can be used for different charging socket covers. Generally, in either embodiment, only the DC charging socket is covered by the charging socket cover.

[0012] Furthermore, it is stipulated that the charging socket cover is arranged laterally next to the corresponding charging socket. This reduces the space required, as the charging socket is positioned and moved in relation to the fuel tank cover.

[0013] Furthermore, the specification stipulates that the charging flip-top system includes a fuel tank cap, which is arranged such that it covers the charging flip-top system in a closed position. The fuel tank cap serves not only to cover the charging socket (typically an AC charging socket) not covered by the charging socket cover, but also to visually match the vehicle's appearance.

[0014] Furthermore, a vehicle with the described charging flip-top system is proposed.

[0015] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments of the invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings illustrating details according to the invention. In variations of the invention, each feature may be implemented individually or in any combination. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0017] Figure 1A diagram is shown of a charging flip-top system with a combined charging socket having an AC power interface and a DC power interface according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figures 2 to 8 A cross-sectional view of a charging flip-top system with a charging socket cover at different positions is shown according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0019] In the following description of the accompanying drawings, the same elements or functions are referred to by the same reference numerals.

[0020] The basic concept of this invention is to provide automatic closing of the charging socket cover 7 of the charging flip-top system for electric vehicles after the charging process is completed. This can be achieved not only by having a single, unique charging socket (AC or DC) with a charging flip-top, but also by having a combination of charging sockets, i.e., a charging socket including an AC charging socket 4 and a DC charging socket, such as... Figure 1 As shown.

[0021] As explained at the beginning, charging of the vehicle's electric storage device is performed via a special charging socket, which includes an AC power interface, or AC charging socket 4, and / or a DC power interface, or DC charging socket 5. The charging socket is housed in a so-called charging socket holder 3, which is located within a so-called charging flip-top system and behind an opening in the vehicle's exterior, as shown in... Figure 1 As shown in the diagram. When not in use, the two charging sockets 4 and 5 are closed by the fuel tank cap 1, which is fixed to the vehicle's exterior. Furthermore, at least the DC charging socket 5 is covered by a charging socket cover 7, which serves as both a contact protection device and a corrosion protection device. The charging socket cover 7 is configured as a hinged cover, thus moving via a rotational hinge 8. The AC charging socket 4 is not required to be covered by the charging socket cover. For fast charging, i.e., DC charging, the fuel tank cap 1 and the charging socket cover 7 are opened. Only then can the charging plug 6 be inserted into the cavity 53 between the outer wall 51 and the inner wall 52 of the charging socket, and the charging process begin.

[0022] Since only the DC charging socket 5 is typically provided with a charging socket cover, the present invention will be described below with reference to the charging socket cover 7 disposed at the DC charging socket 5. However, the charging socket cover may also be provided at the AC charging socket 4 or at both charging sockets 5.

[0023] To provide automatic closing of the charging socket cover 7 after the charging process is complete, the following method is proposed using cross-section S (see...). Figure 1 ) sectional view in Figures 2 to 8 The mechanical solution described in the text.

[0024] exist Figure 2 The following assembly position is shown, in which the DC charging socket 5 has been inserted and secured in the charging socket retainer 3. The charging socket cover 7 is closed, thus covering the DC charging socket 5, and more specifically, the electrical pins 50 of the DC charging socket. The charging socket cover 7 can move from a closed position to an open position and vice versa via a rotary hinge 8. Here, the rotary hinge 8 has a return spring 81, which is configured such that the rotary hinge 8 always moves the charging socket cover 7 to the closed position or moves the charging socket cover to the closed position (wherever possible, as shown later). In addition, the rotary hinge 8 has a side recess 80 in its defined area, into which the retaining lug 910 of the retaining hook 9, described below, can engage, so as to achieve automatic closing of the charging socket cover 7 in conjunction with the retaining hook 9. The mode of operation is described based on the description of the structural features.

[0025] The aforementioned retaining hook 9 is constructed in a substantially L-shape, wherein one leg (hereinafter referred to as the receptacle pin 90) is movably positioned on or spaced apart from the charging receptacle holder 3, i.e., the leg is substantially parallel to the charging receptacle holder, while the other leg (hereinafter referred to as the hinge pin 91) protrudes from the charging receptacle holder 3 at an angle, advantageously substantially 90 degrees. This angle is given by the lengths of the two legs 90, 91, as can be seen from the following description of their function. The receptacle pin 90 has a tip 901 at its upper, or rather, free end region, pointing towards the DC charging receptacle 5. The hinge pin 91 has a retaining lug 910 at its upper, or rather, free end region, the retaining lug being shaped and arranged such that it engages with the side recess 80 of the rotating hinge 8 in a predetermined position and prevents the rotating hinge 8 from rotating.

[0026] In addition, a spring 93 is provided, one end of which is fixed to the hinge pin 91 and the other end to a fixing device, such as a charging socket retainer 3. The spring 93 is selected such that it always pushes the hinge pin 91, and thus also the socket pin 90, toward the charging socket 5.

[0027] The DC charging socket 5 has a recess 510 on its outer wall 51, the recess corresponding to the arrangement of the socket pin 90, that is, the recess is arranged such that the socket pin 90 can be inserted through the recess 510 (based on the spring force caused by the spring 93). The recess 510 is therefore formed at least to the size of the socket pin 90, so that the socket pin can easily pass through the recess.

[0028] In addition, in one embodiment, a sealing element 10 is arranged around the opening 510 of the outer wall 51, the sealing element providing protection against external influences, such as moisture and dirt.

[0029] Additionally, another sealing element 11 may be provided, which is arranged above the spring 93 at the hinge pin 91 and protects the spring 93 and the socket pin 90 from external influences. This sealing element 11 may be constructed, for example, as a bellows.

[0030] As mentioned above, Figure 2 The following assembly position is shown, in which the device is assembled, i.e., not yet ready for use. In this position, the retaining hook 9 is held in a position where it has not yet interacted with the charging socket. This is achieved by providing a retaining device on the underside of the socket pin 90, which is provided, for example, in the form of an assembly hook 92, extending from the underside of the socket pin 90 and engaging with an assembly groove in the charging socket retainer 3. Therefore, although the spring force of the spring 93 acts on the retaining hook in the direction of the charging socket, the retaining hook 9 remains in its position. Alternative solutions for holding the retaining hook 9 in its position for assembly are conceivable, for example, by installing the spring 93 at a predetermined time or by fixing the spring at both ends.

[0031] To prepare the device for use, press or push the retaining hook 9 toward the charging socket, whereby the retaining hook elastically deforms and the mounting hook 92 is pressed out of the mounting groove, as... Figure 3 As shown. Thus, the spring 93 can function to push the retaining hook 9, more precisely, the socket pin 90, towards the charging socket 5. Advantageously, with the mounting hook 92 provided, another groove 30 is provided in the charging socket retainer 3, located in the region between the mounting groove for the mounting hook 92 and the end region of the charging socket retainer 3 facing the charging socket. The groove 30 has a length such that the mounting hook 92 can move unimpeded within the groove, i.e., without obstructing the socket pin 90. Therefore, the mounting groove is arranged such that it is located in the region of the groove 30 opposite to the charging socket 5.

[0032] Figure 4The device is shown ready for use. Here, the mounting hook 92 is located within the recess 30, and the tip 901 of the socket pin 90 has penetrated the outer wall 51 of the DC charging socket 5 but is not yet in the cavity 53. The hinge pin 91 stops on the rotating hinge 8, where the side recess 80 remains in a stationary position because the charging socket cover 7 is closed. Therefore, even if the spring force of the spring 93 acts in the direction of the DC charging socket 5 and tries to press the socket pin 90 into the cavity 53, the hinge pin 91 prevents the socket pin 90 from entering the cavity 93.

[0033] exist Figure 5 The diagram shows the open position of the charging socket cover 7. Here, it can be seen that by rotating the rotating hinge 8 to the open position of the charging socket cover 7, the side recess 80 rotates toward the hinge pin 91, and in the (fully) open position, the retaining lug 910 of the hinge pin 91 engages with the side recess 80 of the rotating hinge 8, thereby securing the rotating hinge, or more precisely, pre-tensioning the return spring 81 of the rotating hinge, which is intended to bring the charging socket cover 7 back to the closed position. By engaging with the side recess 80, the hinge pin 91 is further pressed a short distance toward the DC charging socket 5 by the spring 93, so that the socket pin 90 or the tip 901 of the socket pin is now pushed into and extends into the cavity 53. The side recess 80 is arranged on the rotating hinge 8 such that in the fully open position of the charging socket cover 7, the retaining lug 910 engages with the side recess and prevents the rotating hinge 8 from rotating.

[0034] like Figure 6 As shown, if the charging plug 6 is now inserted into the DC charging socket 5, more precisely into the cavity 53 between the outer wall 51 and the inner wall 52 of the DC charging socket, the charging plug presses against the tip 901 of the socket pin 90 and pushes the socket pin 90 back through the recess 510, overcoming the spring force of the spring 93. Here, the retaining lug 910 is also pushed back and thereby releases the side recess 80. Because the return spring 81 of the rotating hinge 8 always brings the charging socket cover 7 into the closed position, the rotating hinge rotates until the charging socket cover 7 rests against the charging plug 6, as... Figure 7 As shown. When the charging plug 6 is removed, the charging socket cover 7 automatically closes due to the force still applied to the charging socket cover by the return spring 81, as shown in... Figure 8 As indicated by the arrow.

[0035] In one embodiment, the tip 901 is flattened at least at its top region (where the charging plug 6 acts when inserted), so that a small force must be applied by the charging plug to move the socket pin 90.

[0036] In the case of manual closure, i.e., without the charging plug 6 inserted, closing the charging socket cover 7 causes the side recess 80 to be pressed against the retaining lug 910, thus overcoming the spring force of the spring 93. This is sufficient to disengage the side recess 80 from the retaining lug 910 and close the charging socket cover 7 without causing damage to the retaining hook 9. To further minimize this risk, in one embodiment, the hinge pin 91 is made of a resiliently deformable material. This has the advantage that, in manual closure, whether by pushing against the charging socket cover 7 or by closing the fuel tank cap 1 and thus pushing against the charging socket cover 7, even with a large force, the hinge pin 91 will only deform and not break.

[0037] In one embodiment, the charging socket cover 7 is secured to the charging socket retainer 3 such that the charging socket cover is opened in the same or opposite direction as the fuel tank cover 1. Advantageously, the fixing device for the charging socket cover is arranged on the left or right side of the charging socket 4 or 5, i.e., at the 9 o'clock or 3 o'clock position, so that the charging socket cover does not open upward or downward like the charging flip covers known to date.

[0038] Compared to the charging socket cover 7 known to date, the proposed charging socket cover 7 is fixed to the charging socket retainer 3, rather than fixed to the charging socket 4 or 5 itself.

[0039] List of reference numerals

[0040] 1. Fuel tank cap

[0041] 2 Charging Flip System

[0042] 3 Charging socket retainer

[0043] 30 Recessed groove for charging socket retainer

[0044] 4 AC power interface, AC charging socket

[0045] 5 DC power interface, DC charging socket

[0046] 50 DC charging socket pins

[0047] 51. The outer wall of the charging socket, and the wall between the charging socket retainer and the DC charging socket.

[0048] The empty space on the wall of the 510 DC charging socket

[0049] 52 Inner Wall

[0050] 53 Cavity

[0051] 6. Charging plug

[0052] 7. DC charging socket cover

[0053] 8. Rotary hinge

[0054] 80. Lateral recess in a rotating hinge

[0055] 81. Return spring in a rotary hinge

[0056] 9. Keep hook

[0057] 90 Retaining hook socket pin

[0058] The tip of the 901 socket pin

[0059] 91 Retaining hook hinge pin

[0060] 910 Retaining lug at the end area of ​​the hinge pin

[0061] 92 Assembly hook

[0062] 93 Springs

[0063] 10. Seals for DC charging sockets

[0064] 11. Retaining the seal of the hook

[0065] S-section

Claims

1. A charging flip-top system for an electric vehicle, the charging flip-top system comprising: - A charging socket holder (3) and a charging socket fixed in the charging socket holder, the charging socket having an outer wall (51), an inner wall (52) and a cavity (53) located between the outer wall and the inner wall, the charging socket including at least one DC charging socket (5). - A charging socket cover (7), which is rotatably connected to the charging socket retainer (3) via a rotating hinge (8) with a return spring (81), and which covers the DC charging socket (5) in a first position and releases the DC charging socket in a second position. Its features are, - A side recess (80) arranged on the rotating hinge (8). - Retaining hook (9), the retaining hook comprising: -- A socket pin (90), the lower side of which is movable on the charging socket holder (3), and the socket pin having a tip (901) pointing in the direction of the DC charging socket (5), and -- A hinge pin (91) is connected to an end region opposite to the tip (901) and extends away from the charging socket holder (3) at a predetermined angle. The free end of the hinge pin (91) has a retaining lug (910) corresponding to the side recess (80). - A spring (93) is arranged on the hinge pin (91) such that the hinge pin (91) is pressed toward the charging socket. - A recess (510) in the outer wall (51) of the charging socket, the recess being arranged such that the tip (901) of the socket pin (90) can pass through the recess, wherein, - The side recess (80) of the rotating hinge (8) and the retaining hook (9) are arranged such that... -- In the closed state of the charging socket cover (7), the lug (910) is kept against the area of ​​the rotating hinge (8) without the side recess (80), such that the tip (901) of the socket pin (90) passes through the outer wall (51) but does not extend into the cavity (53), and -- In the open state of the charging socket cover (7), the side recess (80) is arranged such that the retaining lug (910) is engaged in the side recess and the tip (901) of the socket pin (90) extends into the cavity (53).

2. The charging flip cover system according to claim 1, wherein, The hinge pin (91) is constructed of a material that can elastically deform.

3. The charging flip cover system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, A first sealing element (10) is provided between the charging socket holder (3) and the outer wall (51) of the DC charging socket (5) so that the surrounding environment of the void (510) is sealed relative to the void.

4. The charging flip cover system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, A second sealing element (11) is provided in the area of ​​the retaining hook (9) such that the second sealing element seals the spring (93) and the socket pin (90) to the outside.

5. The charging flip cover system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, An assembly hook (92) is provided on the underside of the socket pin (90), and a groove (30) is provided in the charging socket holder (3), wherein the assembly hook (92) is guided in the groove after assembly.

6. The charging flip cover system according to claim 5, wherein, The assembly hook (92) is arranged outside the groove (30) in the assembly groove for assembly purposes, the assembly groove being arranged in the area of ​​the groove (30) opposite to the charging socket.

7. The charging flip cover system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The charging socket is a combined charging socket including an AC charging socket (4) and a DC charging socket (5), and the charging socket cover (7) is provided for the DC charging socket (5) and / or for the AC charging socket (4).

8. The charging flip cover system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The charging socket cover (7) is arranged laterally next to the corresponding charging socket.

9. The charging flip cover system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The charging flip-top system includes a fuel tank cover (1), which is arranged such that the fuel tank cover covers the charging flip-top system in a closed position.

10. An electric vehicle comprising a charging flip-top system according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

Images