Charging connector

Abstract

The invention relates to a charging connection (2) having a charging socket (5) and a charging socket cover (6), which is arranged in a motor vehicle (1) such that, in a first operating position, the charging socket cover (6) covers an opening (7) in a vehicle body (8) and, in the first operating position, the charging socket (5) is arranged behind the charging socket cover (6), and wherein, in a second operating position, the charging socket (5) is arranged behind the charging socket cover (6). The charging socket cover (6) releases the opening (7) and is arranged behind the opening (7) in the free space (9) of the vehicle body (8), and wherein the charging socket (5) is arranged adjacent to the opening (7) in order to be able to be connected to the charging cable plug (4), and wherein the charging socket (5) and the charging socket cover (6) can be displaced between a first operating position in which the charging socket (5) is arranged adjacent to the opening (7) in order to be able to be connected to the charging cable plug (4), and a second operating position in which the charging socket cover (6) is arranged behind the opening (7). Wherein the charging socket (5) is electrically connected by means of at least one lever drive (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a charging connector, in particular to a charging connector for an electrically driven motor vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Electrically driven motor vehicles with purely electric drive or as plug-in hybrids usually require a charging connector for connecting a charging cable for charging the vehicle battery from a charging network for recharging the vehicle battery. For this purpose, the motor vehicle comprises a charging connector with a charging socket hidden behind a charging socket cover. After opening the charging socket cover, the charging socket is accessible for connecting the charging cable. The arrangement of the charging socket and the charging socket cover in the motor vehicle is provided such that the charging socket cover is arranged as unobtrusively as possible on the outer shell of the motor vehicle, thereby creating an overall flat impression, and at the same time the charging socket is arranged behind the charging socket cover so that the charging socket is protected by the charging socket cover and, if necessary, ergonomically and easily accessible to the user. The charging socket must be designed to be displaceable accordingly.

[0003] Even if displacement is required, the charging socket must be properly electrically connected so that it can supply the high currents required for charging the vehicle without any problems. Flexible cables are less suitable for this purpose because they can cause problems with their flexible strands during their service life and require more installation space due to the increased cross section required.

[0004] DE 10 2012 020 710 A1 discloses a charging connector having a charging socket and a cover for the charging socket, wherein the charging socket and the cover can be pivoted together about an axis so that when the cover is rotated about the axis, the charging socket is also rotated about the axis. The cover is at right angles to the charging socket connected to the cover. The cover can thus be adapted to the size of the charging socket so that after pivoting the cover the charging socket is easily accessible and ergonomically arranged.

[0005] DE 10 2020 053 137 A1 discloses a charging connection having a linearly displaceable charging socket and a charging socket cover that can be pivoted in front of the charging socket, wherein the charging socket cover pulls the charging socket out of an elongated container when pivoting. The charging socket is connected to an internal flexible cable that moves with the charging socket. This design is quite problematic in the case of high currents, because the flexible cable is also subject to a certain degree of wear during continuous operation due to its frequent displacement. Summary of the invention

[0006] The object is to invent a charging connector having a charging socket and a charging socket cover which allows the charging socket cover to be moved when closed, provides an ergonomically accessible charging socket when opened and at the same time allows a reliable electrical connection to the charging socket even if the charging socket can be displaced.

[0007] An exemplary embodiment of the invention relates to a charging connector having a charging socket and a charging socket cover, the charging connector being arranged in a motor vehicle such that in a first operating position the charging socket cover covers an opening in the vehicle body and the charging socket is arranged behind the charging socket cover, wherein in a second operating position the charging socket cover releases the opening and is arranged in a free space in the vehicle body behind the opening, wherein in the second operating position the charging socket is arranged adjacent to the opening so as to be available for connecting a charging cable plug, wherein the charging socket and the charging socket cover are displaceable between the first operating position and the second operating position, wherein the charging socket is electrically connected by means of at least one first lever transmission. Thus, the charging socket can be connected to a reliable electrical connection with reliable displaceability during its service life and also allows high currents under high voltage conditions, i.e. a high voltage connector with high currents can also be realized.

[0008] In one exemplary embodiment, it is particularly advantageous if at least one first lever transmission is a double-lever mechanism comprising two levers which are articulated to one another in a V-shaped manner. This results in a relatively simple lever transmission which also requires only a few components but nevertheless functions reliably and serves to electrically connect the charging socket to the power supply conductor. The power supply conductor can be designed as a rigid conductor connected to the first lever transmission, which has advantages in terms of the required installation space while being light in weight and having good electrical conductivity.

[0009] It is also advantageous if at least one first lever transmission comprises a fixed bearing and a displaceable bearing, wherein a first lever of the two levers is hingedly supported at a first of its ends on the fixed bearing, and a second lever of the two levers is hingedly supported at a first of its ends on the displaceable bearing, wherein the levers are hingedly supported to each other at their respective second ends. The charging socket is advantageously fixedly connected to the displaceable bearing, for example via a frame, a bracket and / or a housing, thereby forming an electrical connection of the charging socket to the displaceable bearing. Thus, a reliable electrical connection can be achieved and the charging socket has the desired displaceability.

[0010] It is also advantageous if the charging socket is articulated on a displaceable bearing. Such mounting can be achieved, for example, by means of a frame, a bracket and / or a housing. This enables simple and reliable electrical contacting.

[0011] It is advantageous if at least one fixed bearing of at least one lever transmission is electrically connected to the voltage source via an electrical connection. Thus, a reliable permanent electrical connection from the voltage source to the charging socket can be achieved via the lever transmission, wherein the connection of the fixed bearing also enables a rigid electrical connection, in particular using a rigid wire without a flexible cable.

[0012] It is also advantageous if the electrical connection is a rigid and / or fixed, in particular rod-shaped, conductor. Compared to a flexible conductor such as a cable connection, this allows a large cross section and is permanently more stable.

[0013] It is also advantageous if the displaceable bearing is displaceably guided by means of a guide, so that the movement is clearly defined and designed to be reproducible.

[0014] It is also particularly advantageous if the charging socket is displaceably mounted by means of at least one drive mechanism and / or by means of at least one second lever drive. The displaceability of the charging socket can thus be reliably and stably activated and guided over its service life. Thus, in a first operating position, the charging socket can be arranged behind a charging socket cover, and in a second operating position, the charging socket can be arranged adjacent to the opening so that it can be used to connect a charging cable plug.

[0015] It is also particularly advantageous if the charging socket cover is mounted displaceably by means of at least one drive mechanism and / or by means of at least one third lever mechanism. This allows the charging socket cover to be driven accordingly and guided in displacement in order to close or release the opening.

[0016] In a further exemplary embodiment, it is advantageous if the charging socket cover is articulated displaceably on the charging socket or on the vehicle body, for example by means of a third lever transmission. Thus, for example, a displacement of the charging socket can also be at least partially accompanied by a displacement of the charging socket cover, whereby these movements can also be coupled to one another, for example, or can occur independently of one another. For example, the charging socket cover can only be displaced if the charging socket is moved back in order to free up the necessary installation space for the charging socket cover.

[0017] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the charging socket cover is arranged in front of the charging socket in the first operating position and laterally of the charging socket in the second operating position. Thus, less installation space is required in terms of depth, since the charging socket cover is located laterally of the charging socket instead of behind it. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The invention is described in detail below based on exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings show:

[0019] Figure 1is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example embodiment of a charging connection for a motor vehicle in an open state, and

[0020] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a charging connection of a motor vehicle in transition between an open state and a closed state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Figure 1 A partial illustration of a motor vehicle 1 is shown, which has a charging connector 2 for connecting a charging cable 3 and a charging cable plug 4 , for example for charging a vehicle battery via a charging network.

[0022] Figure 1 and Figure 2 In each case a schematic sectional view of a charging connection 2 of a motor vehicle 1 is shown. Figure 1 The charging connector 2 is shown in an open state, and Figure 2 A charging connector 2 of a motor vehicle 1 is shown during a transition from an open state to a closed state.

[0023] The charging connection 2 is equipped with a charging socket 5 and a charging socket cover 6. The charging connection 2 is arranged in the motor vehicle 1 so that in the first operating position, the charging socket cover 6 covers and closes the opening 7 in the vehicle body 8, and in the first operating position, the charging socket 5 is arranged to be shielded behind the charging socket cover 6. In the first operating position, the charging socket 5 is not available for connection to the charging cable plug 4; the charging connection 2 is in the closed state.

[0024] In the second operating position, the charging socket cover 6 releases the opening 7 and is arranged behind the opening 7 in the free space 9 of the vehicle body 8, for example adjacent to the charging socket 5, such as Figure 1 In the second operating position, the charging socket 5 is arranged adjacent to the opening 7 so that it can be used to connect the charging cable plug 4. For this purpose, the charging socket 5 is displaced forwards towards the opening 7.

[0025] In order to achieve this, the charging socket 5 and the charging socket cover 6 are arranged or mounted so as to be displaceable between a first operating position and a second operating position.

[0026] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the charging socket 5 is electrically connected by means of at least one first lever transmission device 10. For example, such a first lever transmission device 10 is arranged on one side of the charging socket 5, or alternatively, such a first lever transmission device 10 can also be arranged on both sides of the charging socket 5. The first lever transmission device 10 is used to electrically connect the charging socket 5 to the vehicle battery so that the vehicle battery can be powered and charged from the charging network.

[0027] Figure 1 and Figure 2 It is not shown that the charging socket 5 is displaceably mounted by means of at least one drive mechanism and / or by means of at least one second lever transmission or a further transmission and / or an actuator.

[0028] It is also not shown that the charging socket 6 is displaceably supported by means of at least one drive mechanism and / or by means of at least one third lever transmission or another transmission and / or actuator. This mounting method allows the charging socket cover 6 to be arranged in front of the charging socket 5 in the first operating position and to be arranged to the side of the charging socket 6 in the second operating position.

[0029] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the at least one first lever transmission 10 is a double-lever mechanism 11 which comprises two levers 12 which are articulatedly coupled to one another in a V-shaped manner.

[0030] At least one first lever transmission 10 has a fixed bearing 13 and a displaceable bearing 14, wherein the fixed bearing 13 is arranged to be fixed to the vehicle body and the displaceable bearing 14 is guided, for example, by means of a guide 15. The guide 15 is, for example, configured as a linear guide or as a curved guide 15. The guide 15 is preferably also arranged so that it is fixed to the vehicle body. Alternatively, the guide 15 can also be omitted. The displaceable bearing 14 is fixedly connected to the charging socket 5, wherein the electrical connection between the charging socket 5 and the displaceable bearing 14 is carried out via a connection part 20, which is, for example, configured as a bracket.

[0031] The double-lever mechanism 11 having two levers 12 is constructed such that the levers 12, which are articulatedly coupled to each other in a V-shaped manner, are articulated on bearings 13, 14, wherein an articulated connection exists between the two levers 12. A first lever 12 of the two levers 12 is articulatedly supported at a first end 16 of its ends 16, 17 on a fixed bearing 13, and a second lever 12 of the two levers 12 is articulatedly supported at a first end 16 of its ends 16, 17 on a displaceable bearing 14, wherein the levers 12 are articulatedly supported at their respective second ends 17 on each other.

[0032] In addition, Figure 1 and Figure 2 It can be seen that at least one fixed bearing 13 of at least one lever transmission 10 or at least one fixed bearing 13 of the lever transmission 10 is electrically connected to a voltage source 19 via an electrical connection 18. Thus, the power supply and mechanical energy displacement of the charging socket 5 can be achieved by means of the lever transmission 10.

[0033] It is advantageous if the electrical connection 18 is a rigid, fixed, in particular rod-shaped conductor. The conductor cross section may be approximately 150 mm. 2Up to 200mm 2 Therefore, a large current level can be used to perform the charging operation.

[0034] Reference numerals list

[0035] 1Motor Vehicles

[0036] 2Charging connector

[0037] 3 Charging cable

[0038] 4 Charging cable plug

[0039] 5 Charging socket

[0040] 6 Charging socket cover

[0041] 7 Opening

[0042] 8 Body

[0043] 9. Free Space

[0044] 10-lever transmission

[0045] 11Double rod mechanism

[0046] 12 Leverage

[0047] 13 Fixed bearing

[0048] 14. Bearings that can be displaced

[0049] 15 Guide

[0050] 16 First End

[0051] 17 Second End

[0052] 18 Connection

[0053] 19 Voltage Source

[0054] 20 Connection

Claims

1. A charging connector (2) comprising a charging socket (5) and a charging socket cover (6), the charging connector being arranged in a motor vehicle (1) such that in a first operating position, the charging socket cover (6) covers an opening (7) in a vehicle body (8), and in the first operating position, the charging socket (5) is arranged behind the charging socket cover (6), wherein in a second operating position, the charging socket cover (6) releases the opening (7) and is arranged behind the opening (7) in a free space (9) of the vehicle body (8), wherein in the second operating position, the charging socket (5) is arranged adjacent to the opening (7) so as to be able to be used for connecting a charging cable plug (4), wherein the charging socket (5) and the charging socket cover (6) are displaceable between the first operating position and the second operating position, wherein the charging socket (5) is electrically connected by means of at least one first lever transmission (10).

2. The charging connector (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The at least one first lever transmission device (10) is a double-lever mechanism (11) having two levers (12) which are articulated to each other in a V-shaped manner.

3. The charging connector (2) according to claim 2, characterized in that: The at least one first lever transmission device (10) comprises a fixed bearing (13) and a displaceable bearing (14), wherein a first lever (12) of the two levers (12) is hingedly supported on the fixed bearing (13) at a first end (16) of its ends, and a second lever (12) of the two levers (12) is hingedly supported on the displaceable bearing (14) at a first end (16) of its ends, wherein the levers (12) are hingedly supported to each other at their respective second ends (17).

4. The charging connector (2) according to claim 3, characterized in that: The charging socket (5) is hinged on the displaceable bearing.

5. The charging connector (2) according to any one of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that: At least one fixed bearing (13) of the at least one first lever transmission (10) is electrically connected to a voltage source (19) via an electrical connection (18).

6. The charging connector (2) according to claim 5, characterized in that: The electrical connection (18) is a rigid and / or fixed, in particular rod-shaped, conductor.

7. The charging connector (2) according to claim 3, 4, 5 or 6, characterized in that: The displaceable bearing (14) is displaceably guided by means of a guide (15).

8. Charging connector (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The charging socket (6) is mounted displaceably by means of at least one drive mechanism and / or by means of at least one second lever mechanism.

9. The charging connector (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The charging socket cover (6) is supported displaceably by means of at least one drive mechanism and / or by means of at least one third lever transmission.

10. The charging connector (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that In the first operating position, the charging socket cover (6) is arranged in front of the charging socket (5), and in the second operating position, the charging socket cover (6) is arranged on the side of the charging socket (5).

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