Motor-driven locking device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a motor-driven locking device (4) for a plug connector half (1) used to establish an electrical connection with another plug connector half in order to charge an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle by inserting the other plug connector half into the plug connector half. The locking device has a movable locking pin (5) for locking the other plug connector half inserted into the plug connector half (1) and a sensor element in the form of a conductor line component (9) arranged on the locking pin (5). The electrical contact of the conductor line component (9) can be established by means of resilient contact protrusions (12, 13), and wherein at least in the area of ​​the contact protrusions (12, 13) a device for protecting the contact protrusions (12, 13) can be provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a motor-driven / electric locking device for a plug connector half for establishing an electrical connection with another plug connector half to charge an electric or hybrid vehicle by inserting the other plug connector half into the first plug connector half. The locking device has a movable locking pin for locking the other plug connector half inserted into the first plug connector half, and a sensor element in the form of a conductor line component arranged on the locking pin, wherein electrical contact of the conductor line component can be established by means of resilient contact protrusions / contact flags. Background Technology

[0002] The batteries of electric or hybrid vehicles are typically charged via a charging plug, which is one half of a connector that plugs into a charging port on the vehicle, the other half of the connector. The charging process for batteries in electric or hybrid vehicles is much longer than refueling a vehicle with an internal combustion engine; it typically takes several hours.

[0003] It is unreasonable for someone to accompany the vehicle throughout the entire charging process, which is so long. Therefore, there is a risk that the charging process could be interrupted before the battery is fully charged due to an unauthorized third party unplugging the charging plug. The risk here is that, given the high charging current and the uncontrolled disconnection, there is a potential danger of injury from, for example, sparks.

[0004] The charging plug is typically inserted manually into the socket. The insertion force required varies depending on the number of electrodes, contacts, and housing configuration. In this case, it is possible for the connector halves to not fully engage. While electrical contact is established in this situation, the sealing and vibration resistance of the connection are adversely affected, potentially leading to malfunction. To ensure a reliable charging process under all circumstances, a locking device is used. This locking device secures the engaged connector halves to prevent accidental loosening of the connection.

[0005] A motor-driven locking device is known from DE 10 2018 109 661 A1, used to establish an electrical connection with another plug connector half for charging an electric or hybrid vehicle. Here, a transmission device is driven via an electric drive, which moves a locking pin. After the charging plug is fully inserted into the charging socket, the locking pin moves to prevent the connection from becoming loose. To ensure the position of the locking pin and thus the conformal connection between the charging plug and the charging socket, the position of the locking pin is continuously determined by a sensor.

[0006] A locking device of this type is known from DE 10 2020 128 580.9, which has not yet been disclosed. In this device, the locking device is mounted on a plug connector half, allowing a locking pin to move into and out of the plug connector half via a motor drive. In a preferred embodiment, a conductor line component with contact protrusions is constructed on the locking pin, these protrusions engaging with conductor lines on the locking device housing. The conductor line component is U-shaped and arranged on the locking pin by means of a receiving portion, such that the contact protrusions elastically protrude from the back side of the locking pin. In the installed state, the locking pin can move within the housing of the locking device, allowing the contact protrusions to engage with each other or to move to an area where they are disengaged from the conductor lines of the housing.

[0007] The locking device has been proven reliable in principle and can ensure reliable locking of the plug-in connection. However, vehicle manufacturers are always striving for cost optimization and improved systems and locking devices. In particular, it is essential to ensure the reliability of the system throughout the entire product lifecycle (i.e., the vehicle's service life). This invention is proposed based on this principle. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Therefore, the object of this invention is to provide an improved motor-driven locking device. In particular, the object of this invention is to provide a switching device with high contact reliability and immunity to external influences, which can also ensure reliability throughout the entire product lifecycle.

[0009] The objective is achieved according to the invention by the features of the first technical solution described below. Advantageous designs are given in other described technical solutions. However, it should be noted that the embodiments described below are not limiting, and more precisely, any possible variations of the features described in the specification, dependent claims, and drawings are possible.

[0010] According to the first technical solution, the object of the present invention is achieved by providing a motor-driven locking device for a plug-in connector half for establishing an electrical connection with another plug-in connector half to charge an electric or hybrid vehicle by inserting the other plug-in connector half into the first plug-in connector half. The locking device has a movable locking pin for locking the other plug-in connector half inserted into the first plug-in connector half. The locking device also has a sensor element in the form of a conductor circuit component arranged on the locking pin, wherein the electrical contact of the conductor circuit component can be established by means of a resilient contact protrusion, and wherein at least in the area of ​​the contact protrusion, a device for protecting the contact protrusion is provided. By constructing a protective device for the contact protrusion, contact reliability of the conductor circuit component can be achieved. The locking device, and particularly the plug-in connector half, is used in areas that may be extensively exposed to external climatic influences. Therefore, the plug-in connector half is typically arranged behind a flip cover in motor vehicles, allowing another plug-in connector half, for example, in the form of a plug, to be inserted into the vehicle.

[0011] If the plug is now locked using a locking device, the connector half will be directly affected by external weather conditions. Snow, rain, and / or dust may penetrate the area of ​​the connector half, making contact and / or disengagement difficult. In any case, the locking pin engages with the other connector half and moves at least partially out of the locking device. Environmental influences, temperature differences, and / or humidity all affect the contact of the conductor components. In addition to environmental influences, mechanical loads also act on the locking pin. For example, if the plug is pulled or moved while locked, i.e., with the locking pin disengaged, this mechanical load acts directly on the locking pin. To address these effects on the locking device and ensure contact security, the device according to the invention for protecting the contact protrusion protects the area of ​​the contact protrusion and thus improves the security of the conductor components.

[0012] Motor-driven locking devices are used in electric or hybrid vehicles, more specifically where the charging process is essential. Preferably, the vehicle has a plug-in connector half in the form of a socket, wherein the locking device is preferably located on the socket. The motor drive allows the locking pin to move out of the locking device and into an opening for the plug. For this purpose, a motor, for example, with a worm gear transmission, is preferably arranged in the locking device to achieve mechanical actuation of the locking pin. Of course, according to the invention, a combination of a transmission and a rack and pinion can also be used to drive the locking pin. The plug is preferably inserted into the plug-in connector half, i.e., into the socket of the vehicle, wherein the plug is pushed into the opening of the plug-in connector half. Only when the plug is fully pushed into the socket can the locking pin be positioned in the opening area and thus engage with the plug. This type of protection ensures reliable charging of the vehicle.

[0013] To determine the final position of the locking pin, a conductor line component is arranged on the locking pin, which cooperates with the conductor line in the locking device. The functional interaction between the conductor line component and other sensors in the locking device is exemplarily disclosed in DE 10 2020 128 580.9. It is hereby stated that the disclosure of that printed document is incorporated into the disclosure of this application. The conductor line is constructed to realize a switching device, and these conductor lines are equipped with resilient contact protrusions, thus forming a switching device or sensor element upon interaction with the conductor line in the locking device. According to the invention, the contact protrusions are also additionally protected by a protective device, thereby protecting the contact protrusions from external influences and thus improving contact security.

[0014] According to an advantageous improvement of the invention, the protective device is constructed as a wall that shields the contact protrusion. The contact protrusion can be constructed as a curved conductor line, allowing the conductor line to elastically abut against another conductor line. Therefore, two spring arms, acting as curved conductor lines, extend from the base plate and elastically contact the other conductor line. Thus, the elastic end of the conductor line component can abut against the conductor line under preload.

[0015] Now, by arranging multiple or at least one protective wall in the locking device to protect the elastic ends of the conductor components, the operational safety of the locking device can be improved. The protective wall can extend so far beyond the elastic ends of the conductor components that only the end of the contact protrusion extends beyond the wall. Therefore, it can be ensured that when the locking device is subjected to external loads, and a mechanical load is applied to the contact protrusion, the contact protrusion undergoes only slight elastic deformation until the force is applied to the protective wall; thus, the protective wall prevents plastic deformation of the contact protrusion. However, the protective wall also prevents external influences, such as moisture seeping in through the opening, by allowing the moisture to escape.

[0016] Alternatively, according to an advantageous improvement of the invention, the protective walls are arranged at least partially parallel to the orientation of the contact protrusions in the locking device. This parallel arrangement of the protective walls relative to the contact protrusions advantageously protects the contact protrusions of the conductor components and also facilitates easy assembly of the conductor components. If two symmetrically arranged protective walls extend parallel to and spaced apart from the contact protrusions, the protective walls form an entry opening for the conductor components, thereby facilitating assembly. In addition to protection, the protective walls also serve a guiding function in this case. Depending on the selected spacing between the protective walls, they can also be used to assemble the conductor components, for example, allowing the conductor components to be at least partially introduced into the protective walls in a clamping manner, i.e., in a form-locking manner.

[0017] Furthermore, advantageously according to one embodiment of the invention, two parallel contact protrusions are provided, and a protective wall surrounds the contact protrusions in a U-shape. This U-shaped enclosure of the contact protrusions provides comprehensive protection. This applies not only to mechanical loads but also to protection from environmental influences, thereby ensuring high contact safety for the conductor circuit component when interacting with the conductor circuit to be contacted. Additionally, the U-shape can also be used as an assembly aid; for example, in the case of assembling the conductor circuit component, the U-shaped area of ​​the protective wall can be used as a stop. The U-shaped shape surrounds the conductor circuit component, and preferably also surrounds the contact protrusions, such that the contact protrusions are enclosed by the protective wall. In other words, the contact protrusions beyond the protective wall only to contact the conductor circuit, and the conductor circuit component is U-shapedly surrounded by the protective wall.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a protective wall is arranged on the locking pin. Advantageously, the protective wall can be arranged directly on the locking pin to protect the conductor circuit component. It is also advantageous for the conductor circuit component to be directly fastened to the locking pin, wherein the rear wall of the conductor circuit component is fastened to the locking pin, and the contact protrusion extends in a bent or curved manner toward the locking device or the conductor circuit in the locking device. Here, the contact protrusion extends beyond the protective wall and contacts the conductor circuit. Thus, the protective wall can advantageously absorb mechanical loads acting on the locking pin—for example, when the charging plug is unplugged in the locked state. Here, for example, when a tilting torque is introduced into the locking pin, the load is not transferred to the contact protrusion, but is absorbed by the protective wall. Here, the protective wall acts as a support wall and thus prevents excessive mechanical loads from acting on the contact protrusion. In any case, the contact protrusion is always logically loaded only within its elastic range, thereby avoiding deformation and the resulting poor contact.

[0019] Furthermore, advantageously according to one embodiment of the invention, the locking pin is formed of plastic, and the protective wall is integrally constructed with the locking pin. This one-piece construction of the locking pin and protective wall provides the possibility of a low-cost design structure, and also provides the possibility of form-lockingly receiving the conductor circuit component within the locking pin. When configuring the locking pin, on the one hand, teeth can certainly be constructed on the locking pin to allow movement, but alternatively, for example, a mounting groove can be introduced into the locking pin, thereby enabling the conductor circuit component to be reliably and accurately inserted into and connected to the locking pin.

[0020] Advantageously, the conductor circuit component can be inserted into and / or snapped into the locking pin. Therefore, the assembly of the conductor circuit component in the locking pin can be achieved in the simplest way and with a simple device structure. Here, for example, in the configuration, the conductor circuit component can also be received with a stop and / or form-locking in the locking pin. Advantageously, these assembly aids for guiding, snapping, or stopping are arranged in the inner region of the protective wall, and advantageously within the U-shaped protective wall, so that the conductor circuit component can be inserted into the U-shaped opening of the protective wall via the assembly slot. Furthermore, additional external guides can, of course, be arranged on the locking pin, which enable reliable movement of the locking pin. Advantageously, multiple protective walls or at least one protective wall can also be constructed as guides.

[0021] According to an advantageous design variation of the invention, the contact protrusions can engage with the conductor lines of the locking device, thereby establishing a switching device. The contact protrusions are part of the conductor line components, and these contact protrusions are preferably arranged on the locking pin. Thus, the contact protrusions or conductor line components are arranged in the locking device in a manner that allows them to move relative to the conductor lines of the locking device. Now, if the contact protrusions disengage from the conductor lines, the switching device can be realized by means of the conductor lines and conductor line components. According to the invention, contact safety can be achieved even when the locking device is subjected to large loads because the contact protrusions are protected by a protective wall even under, for example, strong external loads. The contact protrusions may be rounded at the ends or may have arcuate portions, thereby achieving both reliable contact and low-noise contact of the conductor lines. With the structure of the invention, and preferably by arranging the conductor lines on the locking pin, reliable contact can be ensured throughout the entire product cycle (i.e., the service life of the locking device). Attached Figure Description

[0022] The invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments. However, the following principle applies: the embodiments do not limit the invention, but merely illustrate an advantageous implementation. The features shown may be implemented individually or in combination with other features of the specification and the claims.

[0023] in: Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of a plug connector half in the form of a socket, which serves as a socket for an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle, is shown, and the plug connector half has a locking device arranged on the housing of the plug connector half. Figure 2 A three-dimensional view of the locking device in the locking pin area is shown, in which the conductor line components can be seen; Figure 3 A locking pin, separate from the locking device, is shown, having a conductor line component contact protrusion disposed on the locking pin; Figure 4 A side view of the locking pin shows an additional three-dimensional view of the locking pin and the contact protrusion. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Figure 1The image shows a connector half 1 in the form of a socket for an electric or hybrid vehicle. A socket or receptacle is shown on the front side, into which a second connector half (not shown) can be inserted as a plug for charging the electric or hybrid vehicle. Contacts 2 and 3 for charging or fast charging the vehicle are visible. If the plug is inserted into the connector half 1, a locking device 4 can be used to lock the second connector half engaged in the connector half 1. For this purpose, a locking pin 5 moves toward an opening 6 for the second connector half, thereby preventing the second connector half from being pulled out. A frame 7 surrounds the opening 6 and can be used to abut the second connector half and / or to seal the connector half.

[0025] Figure 1 A locking device 4 with a housing cover 8 is shown. Figure 2 The diagram shows the locking device 4 in its open state. The locking pin, a portion of the conductor line component 9, and the electrical component carrier 10 are visible. Conductor lines 11 are arranged on the electrical component carrier 10, such as a so-called PCB-A circuit board, and these conductor lines can engage with contact protrusions 12 and 13. Here, the locking pin 5 can be moved such that the contact protrusions 12 and 13 can engage or disengage with the conductor lines. Therefore, the movement of the locking pin 5 can provide a switching device to detect the position or movement of the locking pin 5. For this purpose, the locking pin 5 has a cylindrical extension 14 that can move out of the housing 15 of the locking device 4. The locking pin 5 also has teeth 16, which can mesh with gears in a transmission device to move the locking pin 5.

[0026] In this embodiment, a portion of the conductor line component 9 is disposed on the locking pin 5. The locking connection portion 17 holds the contact protrusions 12 and 13, which are part of the conductor line component 9, on the locking pin 5. The contact protrusions 12 and 13 extend beyond the protective wall 18, thereby allowing the free ends 19 and 20 of the contact protrusions 12 and 13 to contact the conductor line 11.

[0027] In embodiments of the invention, the protective wall 18 surrounds the conductor line component 9 in a U-shape, and in particular, surrounds the contact protrusions 12 and 13 in a U-shape, thereby ensuring circumferential protection around the contact protrusions 12 and 13. Therefore, mechanical loads (such as pulling the plug in the locked state) do not act on the contact protrusions 12 and 13, but at most only cause the protective wall 18 to abut against the electrical component carrier 10. Thus, the protective wall 18 prevents the contact protrusions 12 and 13 from being subjected to mechanical loads, and therefore allows for high contact safety. In particular, the contact protrusions 12 and 13 can be mounted on the locking pin 5 independently of external influences, thereby ensuring the reliability of the locking device 4 throughout the product lifecycle.

[0028] Now, Figure 4 An enlarged view shows the arrangement of the protective wall 18 and the contact protrusions 12, 13, or a portion of the conductor line 9. It can be clearly seen that the free ends 19, 20 extend beyond the protective wall 18 and thus can engage with the conductor line 11 on the circuit board. In this embodiment, the free ends 19, 20 of the contact protrusions extend beyond the protective wall 18 to ensure reliable contact with the conductor line 11. The protrusion amount of the free ends 19, 20 of the contact protrusions 12, 13 is... Figure 1 The spacing A is shown in the middle.

[0029] Because the contact protrusions 12 and 13 are fully protected, or at least partially fully protected, it ensures that the conductor circuit component 9 is easy to assemble while providing maximum protection for the contact protrusions 12 and 13. In this embodiment, an assembly groove 21 is provided, into which the locking connection part 17 can be inserted and locked in a locking manner. For this purpose, a recess can be provided in the assembly groove 21. The stop 22 on the locking pin 5 can be used here as an assembly aid for guiding and reliably positioning the conductor circuit component 9. For example, when the conductor circuit component 9 can be inserted or pushed behind the stop 22 using the rear wall, the conductor circuit component can also be connected to the locking pin 5 in a form-locking manner by means of the stop 22. Therefore, a structurally advantageous and reliable connection of the conductor circuit component 9 in the locking pin 5 can be ensured.

[0030] In particular, the orientation of the contact protrusions 12 and 13 toward the cylindrical extension 14 of the locking pin 5 ensures a structurally advantageous connection with the conductor line 11 and minimizes the length of the conductor line 11 within the locking device 4. Thus, a switching device for the locking pin 5 is provided with minimal structural design overhead. Guide portions 24 and 25 are provided on the side of the locking pin 5 opposite to the teeth 16; these guide portions stabilize the locking pin 5 and simultaneously serve as supports for engaging the gear into the tooth grooves 16.

[0031] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram: 1. Connector half 2.3 Contact part 4. Locking device 5 Locking pins 6 Openings 7 Framework 8. Housing cover 9 Conductor circuit components 10. Electrical component carrier 11 Conductor circuits 12, 13 Contact protrusions 14. Columnar extension 15. Housing 16 teeth 17. Locking connection part 18 Protective Wall 19, 20 Free ends 21 Assembly slot 22 Stop section 23. Rear wall 24, 25 Guiding Department A Spacing

Claims

1. An electrically powered locking device (4) of a plug connector half (1) which is used to establish an electrical connection with a further plug connector half in order to charge an electrically powered vehicle by inserting the further plug connector half into the plug connector half (1), the locking device having a movable locking pin (5) for locking the further plug connector half inserted into the plug connector half (1) and a sensor element in the form of a conductor track component (9) arranged on the locking pin (5), wherein The electrical contact of the conductor line component (9) can be established by means of elastic contact protrusions (12, 13), characterized in that the contact protrusions (12, 13) can engage with the conductor line (11) of the housing (15) of the locking device (4), thereby establishing a switching device, wherein the locking pin (5) is movable in such a way that the contact protrusions (12, 13) can engage or disengage with the conductor line (11), and a protective device for protecting the contact protrusions (12, 13) can be provided at least in the area of ​​the contact protrusions (12, 13).

2. The locking device (4) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The protective device is configured to shield the wall of the contact protrusions (12, 13).

3. The locking device (4) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The protective wall (18) serving as the wall is arranged at least partially parallel to the orientation of the contact protrusions (12, 13).

4. The locking device (4) according to any one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that, Two parallel contact protrusions (12, 13) are provided, and the protective wall (18) surrounds the contact protrusions (12, 13) in a U-shape.

5. The locking device (4) according to any one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that, The protective wall (18) of the wall is arranged on the locking pin (5).

6. The locking device (4) according to any one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that, The locking pin (5) is made of plastic and is integrally formed with the locking pin (5) as a protective wall (18) of the wall.

7. The locking device (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The other half of the connector is inserted into the other half of the connector to charge the hybrid vehicle.

8. The locking device (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The conductor circuit component (9) can be snapped into and / or inserted into the locking pin (5).

9. The locking device (4) according to any one of claims 2 to 3, characterized in that, The protective wall (18) at least partially surrounds the conductor line component (9) and only contacts the ends (19, 20) of the protrusions (12, 13) extending beyond the protective wall (18).

10. The locking device (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The contact protrusions (12, 13) can engage with the electrical component carrier (10).

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