Charging contact device and method for operating a charging contact device

Abstract

The invention relates to a charging contact device (15) and a method for operating a charging contact device (15), wherein the charging contact device (15) comprises a contact housing (40), a locking unit (45) and a charging contact arrangement (50), wherein a first charging contact element (55) comprises a first sub-portion (135) extending along an insertion axis (70) for electrical contact with a mating contact element (75) of a charging plug (20) and a second sub-portion (200) offset from the first sub-portion (135), wherein the contact housing comprises a receiving contour (130) with at least one receiving space (105) on a first end face (35) and a mating contact socket (110), wherein the contact housing (40) delimits a locking space (85) and a housing interior (80) away from the first end face (35), wherein the second sub-portion (200) of the first charging contact element (55) is arranged in the housing interior (80) and the first charging contact element (55) protrudes through the contact housing (40) and together with the second sub-portion (200) into the housing interior (80).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a charging contact device according to claim 1 and a method for operating the charging contact device according to claim 12. Background Technology

[0002] US2017 / 0338594A1 discloses a charging socket. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The object of this invention is to provide an improved charging contact device and an improved method for operating the charging contact device.

[0004] This objective is achieved by the charging contact device according to claim 1 and the method for operating the charging contact device according to claim 12. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0005] It has been recognized that an improved charging contact device for vehicles, particularly electric or hybrid vehicles, can be provided, wherein the charging contact device includes a contact housing, a locking unit, and a charging contact arrangement. The charging contact arrangement includes at least one first charging contact element designed to transmit charging current. The first charging contact element includes a first sub-portion extending along an insertion axis for electrical contact with a charging plug and a second sub-portion offset from the first sub-portion. Preferably integrally formed and made of a homogeneous material, the contact housing includes a receiving profile having at least one receiving space on a first end face and a mating contact socket arranged offset from the receiving space. The contact housing also defines a locking space and a housing interior relative to the insertion axis and away from the first end face. The second sub-portion of the first charging contact element is disposed within the housing interior. Furthermore, the first charging contact element extends through the contact housing and protrudes into the housing interior together with the second sub-portion. The contact housing also includes a pin opening extending between the receiving space and the locking space. The locking unit is disposed within the locking space of the contact housing.

[0006] The advantage of this design is that, by integrating the housing interior and locking space, the locking unit is housed within the contact housing, making the charging contact device exceptionally compact. Furthermore, this allows for remarkably low installation space requirements for the charging contact device, and in particular, allows for its installation on the vehicle side even in very limited installation spaces.

[0007] In addition, the contact housing can be sealed particularly easily relative to the surrounding environment, thereby preventing corrosion on the first charging contact element, especially inside the housing.

[0008] In another embodiment, the locking unit includes a locking actuator and a locking pin mechanically driven by the locking actuator. The locking actuator is designed to move the locking pin between an unlocked position and a locked position offset from the unlocked position. In the unlocked position, a first pin end of the locking pin engages in a pin opening, and in the locked position, the locking pin passes through the pin opening and protrudes into a receiving space along with the first pin end. A second pin end, arranged opposite to the first pin end, is disposed in a locking space of the contact housing in both the unlocked and locked positions. The locking pin can be used to lock the charging plug from the locking space onto the charging contact device and secure it before removal.

[0009] In another embodiment, the contact housing includes a drive carrier disposed within the locking space and / or the housing interior. The locking unit is attached to the drive carrier, which is integral with and formed of the same material as the contact housing. This design has the advantage that the contact housing can be manufactured inexpensively along with the drive carrier, for example, during injection molding.

[0010] In another embodiment, the contact housing includes a first housing wall, a second housing wall, and a housing web, wherein the first housing wall extends circumferentially about an insertion axis and defines a locking space and a housing interior in a radial direction relative to the insertion axis. The second housing wall is connected to the first housing wall at an end face and axially defines the housing interior and the locking space. Furthermore, the second housing wall separates the locking space from the receiving space. The housing web is disposed on the first and second housing walls and at least partially separates the locking space from the housing interior. In particular, a drive carrier may be disposed, for example, on the housing web, such that the locking unit is mechanically secured in the contact housing with particular stability. Furthermore, the housing web internally stiffens the contact housing so that the force can be well supported by the charging contact device when the charging plug is inserted into or removed from it.

[0011] In another embodiment, the charging contact device includes a first sealing element, wherein the contact housing includes a sealing carrier at the pin opening, the sealing carrier being disposed in the locking space. The sealing carrier surrounds the first sealing element at its periphery and secures the first sealing element to the pin opening. The locking pin passes through the first sealing element, and the first sealing element fluid-tightly separates the locking space from the receiving space. This design has the advantage that the charging contact device is particularly fluid-tight, especially liquid-tight and dirt-tight, and ensures a reliable seal between the locking space and the interior of the housing and the surrounding environment, even under harsh weather conditions. Therefore, even when the charging contact device is exposed to weather, no liquid or dirt enters the locking space or the interior of the housing, even if the charging contact device is not covered.

[0012] In another embodiment, the charging contact device includes a locking cover, wherein the contact housing includes a second housing opening. The second housing opening opens into a locking space. The locking cover is disposed at the second housing opening and closes the locking space. This design has the advantage that the locking space of the contact housing can be easily closed by means of the locking cover.

[0013] In another embodiment, the second housing opening is arranged opposite the pin opening. This design has the advantage that the guide for the locking pin can be easily integrated into, for example, a locking cover.

[0014] In another embodiment, the locking cover includes a cover portion and a pin guide, wherein the pin guide is disposed on the inner side of the cover portion and extends from the cover portion in the direction of the pin opening. A locking pin engages in the pin guide on the side opposite to the pin opening, and the pin guide guides the locking pin to move between an unlocked position and a locked position. The cover portion is disposed at a second housing opening and closes the second housing opening at the locking space. The advantage of this design is that the guide and cover portion can be manufactured in an integrated manner, for example, during injection molding. Furthermore, the locking cover can be placed on top, and when closed, the locking pin engages with the pin guide, thereby simplifying the assembly of the charging contact device.

[0015] In another embodiment, the locking actuator includes a locking motor and a locking transmission, wherein the locking motor is connected on the output side to the transmission input side of the locking transmission. The locking transmission includes at least one rack and pinion mechanism with a rack connected to a locking pin to allow the locking pin to move linearly along a locking axis between a locked position and an unlocked position. This design has the advantage that the linear movement of the locking pin ensures that the first sealing element reliably seals the locking pin.

[0016] In another embodiment, the charging contact device includes a housing cover, which is attached to the contact housing on the side opposite the receiving space and seals the housing interior and the locking space. The advantage of this design is that the charging contact device includes very few elements to seal the locking space and the housing interior. In particular, the charging contact device can be configured with only three parts: the contact housing, the locking cover, and the housing cover. The small number of parts makes the charging contact device particularly easy to assemble.

[0017] In another embodiment, the charging contact device includes a control contact device disposed on a side opposite to the receiving space. The control contact device includes at least one first control contact and a second control contact disposed offset from the first control contact. The locking unit can be controlled via the first control contact. For example, data signals and / or power for operating the locking unit can be transmitted via the first control contact. The second control contact can be used to provide information about the operating status of the charging contact device, particularly temperature and / or charging status and / or data signals transmitted via the second charging contact element and / or the position of the locking pin. The control contact device is disposed on the housing cover on the side opposite to the charging contact device. This design has the advantage of making the cable harness to be connected to the charging contact device particularly simple in design.

[0018] In another embodiment, the locking actuator includes a locking motor and a locking transmission, wherein the locking transmission includes a transmission input side and a transmission output side, wherein the transmission input side of the locking transmission is torque-locked to the locking motor, wherein the transmission output side of the locking transmission is connected to a locking pin, wherein the locking transmission is preferably designed as a reduction gear transmission, and wherein the locking transmission is self-locking, such that the locking transmission can only be driven via the transmission input side and not via the transmission output side. This prevents undesirable movement of the locking pin, for example, while driving.

[0019] The charging contact device designed as described above can be operated particularly easily because, in the unlocked position, the first pin end of the locking pin engages in the pin opening, and in the locked position, the pin opening is penetrated and the first pin end protrudes into the receiving space. The locking unit allows the locking pin to move between the unlocked and locked positions.

[0020] A particular advantage is that the locking pin moves in a straight line between the locked and unlocked positions. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0022] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the charging system is shown;

[0023] Figure 2 It shows crossing Figure 1 The charging system shown is along Figure 1 The cross-sectional view of section AA shown in the figure;

[0024] Figure 3 A perspective view of the charging contact device is shown, with the view pointing towards the first end face;

[0025] Figure 4 It shows Figure 1 and Figure 2 The charging contact device shown is along Figure 1 An enlarged sectional view of section AA shown;

[0026] Figure 5 A perspective view of the charging contact device is shown;

[0027] Figure 6 A perspective view of the charging contact device is shown;

[0028] Figure 7 A perspective view of the locking cover is shown;

[0029] Figure 8 It shows Figure 7 Another perspective view of the locking cover shown;

[0030] Figure 9 A locking cover and locking unit are shown. Figures 1 to 8 A perspective view of the charging contact device shown;

[0031] Figure 10 This shows the view from inside the vehicle toward the charging contacts. Figures 1 to 9 Details of the perspective view of the charging contact device shown;

[0032] Figure 11 It shows along Figure 1 The cross-sectional view shown is a cross-sectional view of the charging system in the locked position, with the plane of section AA passing through it; and

[0033] Figure 12 It shows along Figure 1 The plane of section AA shown passes through the cross-sectional view of the charging system, where the charging system is unlocked. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Refer to the coordinate system in the following figures. The coordinate system includes the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis. The coordinate system can be designed as a Cartesian system.

[0035] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the charging system 10 is shown.

[0036] The charging system 10 includes a charging contact device 15 and a charging plug 20. The charging plug 20 is electrically connected to a charging cable 25. The charging plug 20 can also be connected via the charging cable 25, for example, through a charging station (not shown), which is connected to a power source, for example.

[0037] Charging contact device 15 is arranged in vehicle 30 and can be electrically connected to energy storage device. Figure 1 (Not shown).

[0038] The charging contact device 15 includes a first end face 35 which faces the surrounding environment 100 of the vehicle 30 and is therefore exposed to environmental influences, protecting the charging contact device 15 even when the charging cover (not shown) of the vehicle 30 is closed, for example, during the driving of the vehicle 30.

[0039] Figure 2 It shows crossing Figure 1 The charging system 10 shown along Figure 1 The cross-sectional view of section AA shown is a plane cross-section.

[0040] The charging contact device 15 includes a contact housing 40, a locking unit 45, a charging contact arrangement 50, a locking cover 61, and a housing cover 62. The charging contact arrangement 50 is arranged according to, for example, IEC type 2 arrangement (IEC 62196 type 2, EN 62196 type 2).

[0041] For example, the charging contact arrangement 50 includes at least one first charging contact element 55, preferably multiple first charging contact elements 55, and second charging contact elements 60 arranged relative to the first charging contact elements 55, such as two second charging contact elements 60.

[0042] The first charging contact element 55 may be designed, for example, to transmit power for charging the vehicle 30. For example, two to five first charging contact elements 55 may be arranged in the contact housing 40 to exchange power between the charging contact device 15 and the energy storage device of the vehicle 30, particularly for charging the energy storage device by power.

[0043] The second charging contact element 60 can be designed, for example, as a data contact, particularly in an allocation that serves as a proximity guide or control guide, so as to exchange control signals with the charging plug 20 via the charging contact device 15.

[0044] The first and second charging contact elements 55 and 60 each extend along an insertion axis 70, which is aligned, for example, parallel to the z-axis. To mount the charging plug 20 onto the charging contact device 15, the charging plug 20 is inserted into the charging contact device 15 along the insertion axis 70, so that the charging contact device 15 makes electrical contact with mating contact elements 75 designed to correspond to the charging contact elements 55 and 60. The corresponding mating contact elements 75 are electrically connected to the charging cable 25.

[0045] Contact housing 40 defines housing interior 80 and locking space 85, locking space 85 in Figure 2The housing is offset from the interior 80 along the y-direction. On the second end face 89 of the charging contact device 15, opposite the first end face 35, the housing cover 62 closes the interior 80 and the locking space 85. The interior 80 is substantially entirely defined by the contact housing 40 and the housing cover 62.

[0046] The locking space 85 is, for example, directly adjacent to the housing interior 80 in the y direction, and is surrounded only by the contact housing 40 and the housing cover 62 in at least the x and z directions.

[0047] The contact housing 40 includes a first housing opening 90 and a second housing opening 95. The first housing opening 90 is arranged opposite to the first end face 35 along the insertion axis 70 and is closed by the housing cover 62 in a fluid-tight manner.

[0048] The second housing opening 95 is arranged along the x-direction between the first end face 35 and the first housing opening 90, and is designed, for example, to contact a through opening in the housing 40. The second housing opening 95 opens into the locking space 85 and is, for example, significantly smaller than the first housing opening 90.

[0049] The second housing opening 95 is sealed by the locking cover 61 in a fluid-tight manner, such that the locking space 85 and the housing interior 80 are both sealed relative to the surrounding environment 100 of the charging contact device 15 by the locking cover 61 and the housing cover 62 in a fluid-tight manner.

[0050] Figure 3 A perspective view of the charging contact device 15 is shown, with the view pointing towards the first end face 35.

[0051] The contact housing 40 includes a receiving profile 130 on a first end face 35. The receiving profile 130 includes a receiving space 105 arranged radially outward relative to the outer peripheral side 145 of the contact housing 40 and at least one mating contact socket 110. The receiving space 105 is, for example, recessed, and... Figure 3 The rear part of the middle part, on the side away from the observer, especially in the z direction, is closed by the contact housing 40 relative to the housing interior 80.

[0052] Radially inside the receiving space 105, a plurality of mating contact sockets 110 are preferably arranged on the first end face 35. In this embodiment, a mating contact socket 110 is provided for each of the first and second charging contact elements 55, 60. In this embodiment, for example, the receiving space 105 and the mating contact sockets 110 are shaped to correspond to the IEC Type 2 arrangement described above. The mating contact sockets 110 are surrounded by the receiving space 105, which is formed in a substantially annular manner around the mating contact sockets 110.

[0053] exist Figure 3In this context, for example, the charging contact device 15 is designed as an IEC type 2 charging plug, wherein a DC fast charging connection can be made on the underside along the y-direction, indicated by a dashed line, such that the charging contact device 15 can be designed as a CCS charging contact device, particularly as a vehicle-side CCS socket, for example according to IEC 62196 (EN 62196).

[0054] The DC charging connection 120 can be arranged, for example, opposite the locking space 85 in the y direction. Of course, the DC charging connection 120 can also be omitted.

[0055] The first and second charging contact elements 55 and 60 each protrude together with the first sub-part 131 into the associated mating contact socket 110, and each includes a contact surface 125 on its circumference for contacting the corresponding associated mating contact element 75 of the charging plug 20.

[0056] Figure 4 It shows Figure 1 and Figure 2 The charging contact device 15 shown is along... Figure 1 The enlarged cross-sectional view of section AA shown.

[0057] The contact housing 40 includes a first housing wall 150, a second housing wall 155, and at least one housing web 160, which are preferably integrally formed of the same material. The first housing wall 150 extends circumferentially about the insertion axis 70 and forms the contact housing 40 radially outward. The first housing wall 150 radially outwardly surrounds the locking space 85 and the housing interior 80.

[0058] The second housing wall 155 is integral with and formed of the same material as the first housing wall 150. The second housing wall 155 is disposed on the first end face 35 and defines both the locking space 85 and the housing interior 80 in the axial direction relative to the insertion axis 70. In this case, the second housing wall 155 may be designed in a plate-like manner in some areas, particularly closest to the locking space 85.

[0059] Opposite to the housing interior space 80, a receiving profile 130 is formed on a second housing wall 155, which at least partially separates the receiving space 105 from the housing interior 80 and, if necessary, from the locking space 85.

[0060] The shell web 160 is arranged between the receiving space 105 and the locking space 85. The shell web 160 may be plate-shaped and extend substantially in the xz plane.

[0061] In this embodiment, the second housing opening 95 is designed as a through opening and is formed in the first housing wall 150. The second housing opening 95 may be formed in the first housing wall 150 at a certain distance in the z-direction from the first housing opening 90.

[0062] The locking space 85 may be formed in a partially annular shape and adjoin the shell web 160 on the radially outer side.

[0063] A pin opening 165 is disposed in the housing web 160. The pin opening 165 has a predetermined distance from the first end face 35 in the z-direction. The predetermined distance can be generated, in particular, by standardization of IEC Type 2 design. Furthermore, the pin opening 165 forms a defined profile. The pin opening 165 connects the locking space 85 to the receiving space 105. The pin opening 165 can be formed as a through opening in the housing web 160.

[0064] Locking unit 45 is arranged in locking space 85. Locking unit 45 includes locking actuator 175 and locking pin 180 mechanically connected to locking actuator 175.

[0065] Locking pin 180 extends along locking axis 185, which can be aligned parallel to the y-axis. Locking axis 185 is arranged obliquely, preferably perpendicularly, relative to insertion axis 70. Locking pin 180 includes a first pin end 190 and a second pin end 195 arranged opposite to the first pin end 190 along locking axis 185.

[0066] The locking pin 180 has a substantially constant cross-section from a first pin end 190 to a second pin end 195. The locking pin 180 is mechanically connected to a locking actuator 175, wherein the locking pin 180 can be moved along the locking axis 185 by the locking actuator 175 to the unlocked position and... Figure 4 The lock positions shown move in a straight line.

[0067] In the locked position, the locking pin 180 passes through the pin opening 165 and protrudes into the receiving space 105 together with the first pin end 190. In the locked position, the second pin end 195 is located in the locking space 85 of the contact housing 40.

[0068] Figure 5 A perspective view of the charging contact device 15 is shown, wherein the housing cover 62 is not shown to improve the representation of the charging contact device 15.

[0069] exist Figure 5 As can be clearly seen, the contact housing 40, which is made of a single material (such as a non-conductive material, especially plastic), completely surrounds both the locking space 85 and the housing interior 80 at least circumferentially.

[0070] The first and second charging contact elements 55 and 60 each protrude together with the second sub-part 200 into the housing interior 80. The first and second charging contact elements 55 and 60 pass through the contact housing 40 at the mating contact socket 110. The second sub-part 200 is sealed and protected relative to the surrounding environment 100 in a fluid-tight manner by the contact housing 40.

[0071] The locking space 85 may be spatially separated from the housing interior 80 at least partially by the housing web 160, however, a connection opening 205 may be provided in the contact housing 40 between the locking space 85 and the housing interior 80, and provide fluid connection between the housing interior 80 and the locking space 85.

[0072] The locking actuator 175 includes, for example, a locking motor 210 and a locking transmission 215. The locking transmission 215 includes a transmission input side 216 and a transmission output side 217. The locking transmission 215 is designed as a reduction gear transmission. Preferably, the locking transmission 215 is designed to be self-locking, such that the locking transmission 215 can only be driven via the transmission input side 216 and not via the transmission output side 217.

[0073] The input side 216 of the locking transmission device 215 is connected to the locking motor 210 in a torque-locked manner. The output side 217 of the locking transmission device 215 is connected to the locking pin 180.

[0074] The contact housing 40 includes a drive carrier 220 disposed in the locking space 85, wherein the drive carrier 220 may be integral with, for example, the first housing wall 150 and / or the housing web 160 and formed of the same material. The drive carrier 220 carries various components of the locking actuator 175, such as the locking motor 210 and / or the locking transmission 215.

[0075] Figure 5 The housing cover 62 at the second housing opening 95 is shown to seal the locking space 85 relative to the surrounding environment 100 in a fluid-tight manner. This prevents liquids or gases from the surrounding environment 100, particularly from outside the vehicle, from entering the locking space 85 through the first housing opening 90 and into the housing interior 80 through the connection opening 205.

[0076] Figure 6 A perspective view of the charging contact device 15 is shown.

[0077] exist Figure 6 In, similar to Figure 5 The illustration of housing cover 62 has been omitted. Furthermore, a portion of the contact housing 40 in the area of ​​the second housing opening 95 is not shown to allow an observer to see the locking space 85 and the housing interior 80.

[0078] The contact housing 40 also includes a sealing support 230 on the housing web 160, which is basically designed as a hollow body and is arranged radially relative to the locking axis 185 at the pin opening 165 (in Figure 6 (The pin is locked at a certain distance from the 180-meter mark.)

[0079] On the radially inner side, the sealing carrier 230 is abutted by a first sealing element 225, which radially abuts against the outer side of the sealing carrier 230. On the radially inner side, the first sealing element 225 is penetrated by a locking pin 180, wherein the first sealing element 225 seals the locking space 85 relative to the receiving space 105 in a fluid-tight manner. Furthermore, the first sealing element 225 also ensures the sealing of this fluid seal as the locking pin 180 moves along the locking axis 185.

[0080] Figure 7 A perspective view of the locking cover 61 is shown.

[0081] The locking cover 61 includes a cover portion 235 and a pin guide 240. The cover portion 235 may be plate-shaped and includes a cover profile 245 corresponding to the second housing opening 95. A second sealing element 246 may be additionally arranged on the cover profile 245, for example, the cover profile 245 circumferentially surrounds the cover portion 235 and is designed to fluidly seal the locking space 85 at the second housing opening 95 relative to the surrounding environment 100 of the charging contact device 15.

[0082] A pin guide 240 is disposed on the side of the cover portion 235 facing the locking space 85. The pin guide 240 extends from the cover portion 235 along the locking axis 185 into the locking space 85. The pin guide 240 may include a plate-like basic form on the outer side, wherein a guide socket 250 is disposed in the pin guide 240.

[0083] The guide socket 250 includes, for example, two pairs of guide surfaces, wherein the first pair of guide surfaces includes two first guide surfaces 255, which are offset from each other in the x-direction and aligned parallel to each other along and parallel to the locking axis 185. The first guide surfaces 255 are arranged, for example, inside the pin guide 240 and form a groove in the pin guide 240.

[0084] Additionally, the pin guide 240 may include a second pair of guide surfaces, having two second guide surfaces 260 arranged opposite to each other, wherein the second guide surfaces 260 are inclined relative to the first guide surface 255. For example, the second guide surfaces 260 may extend in the xy plane and parallel to the locking axis 185, while the first guide surface 255 may extend in the xz plane.

[0085] The second guide surface 260 in the second pair of guide surfaces is also offset, for example, arranged relative to each other in the z direction and parallel to the insertion axis 70.

[0086] Figure 8 It shows Figure 7 Another perspective view of the locking cover 61 shown.

[0087] The pin guide 240 may include a recess 265 on its side. The recess 265 may be arranged on both sides of the pin guide 240.

[0088] The pin guide 240 is open on the side opposite to the cover portion 235. Furthermore, Figure 8 The relative arrangement of the first and second guide surface pairs is shown. Each guide surface pair has a first guide surface 255 arranged opposite to each other in the x direction, and a second guide surface 260 of the second guide surface pair, wherein the second guide surfaces 260 are arranged opposite to each other in the z direction.

[0089] Figure 9 A locking cover 61 and a locking unit 45 are shown. Figures 1 to 8 A perspective view of the charging contact device 15 shown.

[0090] For clarity, Figure 9 Other components of the charging contact device 15 are not shown in the diagram to better explain the function of the locking unit 45.

[0091] In this embodiment, the locking transmission 215 is designed to be multi-stage and may include, for example, a worm gear 266 and / or a spur gear 267 and / or a rack and pinion transmission 270.

[0092] The spur gear 267 is connected, for example, to the input side 216 of the transmission and upstream of the worm gear 266. Preferably, the rack and pinion drive 270 is directly connected upstream of the output side 217 of the transmission, wherein the rack and pinion drive 270 is connected downstream of the worm gear 266.

[0093] The rack and pinion drive 270 includes a rack 275 and a gear 270, the gear 270 being connected to a worm gear 266 to rotate together.

[0094] Gear 270 meshes with rack 275 to ensure that locking pin 180 moves linearly between the locked and unlocked positions.

[0095] Furthermore, the locking actuator 175 includes a limit switch 280, wherein the limit switch 280 is arranged, for example, in the locking space 85 and fastened, for example, on the underside. Figure 9 The shell web 160 is not shown in the figure.

[0096] When the charging contact device 15 is in the assembled state, the second pin end 195 of the locking pin 180 engages with the pin guide 240 in both the locked and unlocked positions, wherein the pin guide 240 guides the locking pin 180, particularly the second pin end 195, during the movement of the locking pin 180 along the locking axis 185 between the locked and unlocked positions.

[0097] The locking pin 180 is further guided in the x and z directions spaced apart from the pin guide 240 by a first sealing element 225 supported on the outside of the sealing carrier 230, thereby ensuring that the locking pin 180 moves reliably in a straight line between the locked and unlocked positions along the locking axis 185.

[0098] The locking pin 180 is further connected to the connecting arm 285. The connecting arm 285 is inclined, for example, relative to the locking pin 180, particularly perpendicular to the locking pin 180, and extends substantially along the x-direction on both sides away from the locking pin 180. The connecting arm 285 can be designed, for example, in the form of a beam, with a rack 275 connected to one end of the connecting arm 285. The rack 275 can be aligned parallel to the locking pin 180 and the locking axis 185.

[0099] Opposite to rack 275, stop rod 290 can be attached to connecting arm 285 in the x-direction, wherein stop rod 290 is connected to connecting arm 285 on one side in the y-direction. Stop rod 290 and rack 275 can extend away from connecting arm 285, for example, in the same direction in the y-direction. At the free end, stop rod 290 includes stop surface 295, by means of which stop rod 290 actuates limit switch 280 in a locked position.

[0100] In a preferred embodiment, the stop bar 290, connecting arm 285, locking pin 180, and rack 275 are manufactured as a single unit and made of the same material (e.g., plastic).

[0101] Figure 10 The image shown is viewed from inside the vehicle toward the charging contact device 15. Figures 1 to 9 Details of the perspective view of the charging contact device 15 shown.

[0102] The housing cover 62 is disposed on the first housing opening 90 that contacts the housing 40, and on the second end face 89 opposite to the first end face 35, it closes both the locking space 85 and the housing interior 80.

[0103] The housing cover 62 can be connected to the contact housing 40 in a form-fit manner, for example, by a locking mechanism. Furthermore, the housing cover 62 includes, for example, a control contact device 300 on its second end face 89.

[0104] The control contact device 300 may include a first control contact 305, such as a second control contact 310, and preferably at least a third control contact 311, wherein the control contacts 305, 310, and 311 are electrically isolated from each other.

[0105] The first control contact 305 may be electrically connected to the locking motor 210, for example, supplying electrical energy and / or data signals to the locking motor 210 to drive and / or control the locking motor 210.

[0106] The second control contact 310 may, for example, be electrically connected to the second charging contact element 60 and / or the limit switch 280.

[0107] Figure 11 It shows along Figure 1 The cross-sectional view shown is a cross-sectional view of the plane of section AA passing through the charging system 10 in the locked position.

[0108] The third control contact 311 can be electrically connected, for example, to a sensor such as a temperature sensor 325, or to a limit switch 280.

[0109] Temperature sensor 325 is thermally connected to charging contact arrangement 50 and provides a temperature signal, for example, related to the temperature of the first charging contact element 55. The temperature signal is transmitted to the second control contact 310, so that control contact device 300 can be used to operate and control locking unit 45, and simultaneously provide data signals via operation of charging contact device 15.

[0110] Limit switch 280 provides information about the locking pin 180 reaching the locked position. This information can be used to control locking actuator 175, and in particular, locking actuator 175 can be deactivated when the locked position is reached.

[0111] The advantage of this design is that, when installing the charging contact device 15, the charging contact device 15 can be connected to the control contact device 300 using data technology and low-voltage technology in a simple installation step. In particular, the second contact device can be eliminated so that the charging contact device 15 can be integrated into the low-voltage network and / or data network of the vehicle 30.

[0112] exist Figure 11In the locked position, the locking pin 180 passes not only through the pin opening 165 but also through the first sealing element 225 and protrudes into the receiving space 105 together with the first pin end 190. The locking pin 180 can engage in the pin socket 315 of the charging plug 20, which is designed to correspond to the locking pin 180 and thus prevents the charging plug 20 from being unintentionally pulled out of the charging contact device 15, for example, by striking the locking pin 180 on its circumference through the pin socket 315 during charging. Advantageously, the locking pin 180 preferably passes substantially completely through the receiving space 105, wherein, for example, the first pin end 190 is arranged near or strikes the contact housing 40 arranged opposite to the pin opening 165.

[0113] To unlock the charging plug 20 and pull it out of the charging contact 15 along the z-axis, the locking actuator 175 moves the locking pin 180 from the locked position in a straight line along the locking axis 185, which in this embodiment is aligned, for example, perpendicular to the insertion axis 70. As described above, the locking pin 180 is guided through the pin guide 240 of the locking cover 61 and retracts into the locking space 85, such that the first pin end 190 is at least pulled out of the pin socket 315.

[0114] Figure 12 It shows along Figure 1 The cross-section AA shown is a cross-sectional view through the charging system 10, where the charging system 10 is unlocked.

[0115] In the unlocked state, locking pin 180 is in the unlocked position. Locking pin 180 is pulled out of pin socket 315 of charging plug 20. In this embodiment, first pin end 190 is preferably arranged in pin opening 165. First sealing element 225 is in the locked state (in Figure 11 The locking position of the locking pin 180 shown) and in Figure 12 The unlocked position of the locking pin 180 shown seals the locking space 85 relative to the receiving space 105. Due to the direct connection between the locking space 85 and the housing interior 80, the first sealing element 225 also indirectly seals the housing interior 80 relative to the receiving space 105.

[0116] exist Figure 12 In the unlocked position of the locking pin 180 shown, for example, the charging plug 20 can be inserted, and electrical contact can be formed between the mating contact element 75 and the first charging contact element 55. Similarly, another mating contact element (not shown) can make electrical contact with the second charging contact element 60. Furthermore, in the unlocked state, for example after the charging process is completed, the charging plug 20 can be disconnected from the charging contact device 15.

[0117] The charging contact device 15 may include a control board 320, which includes, for example, a temperature sensor 325. Furthermore, the first control contact 305 and / or the second control contact 310 and / or the third control contact 311 may be directly attached to the control board 320, which is aligned, for example, perpendicular to the insertion axis 70.

[0118] The control board 320 may also include additional semiconductor components, for example, for monitoring and / or controlling the operational status of the charging contact device 15. Furthermore, the locking motor 210 is electrically connected to the control board 320, wherein, for example, at least a portion of the control board 320 protrudes from the housing interior 80 into the locking space 85. Therefore, the control board 320 can not only electrically connect the temperature sensor 325 to the second control contact 310, but also electrically connect the locking motor 210 to the first control contact 305, and simultaneously monitor the operational status of the charging contact device 15.

[0119] Because the control board 320 is located both inside the housing 80 and in the locking space 85 and is mechanically supported, for example, by the housing cover 62, additional components for the electrical connection to the locking motor 210 can be omitted, particularly the additional control board and / or additional control contact device, making the charging contact device 15 particularly simple and inexpensive to construct.

[0120] Figures 1 to 12 The charging contact device 15 shown, and particularly the charging system 10, has the following advantages: Due to the integrated arrangement of the locking unit 45 within the contact housing 40 of the charging contact device 15, the charging contact device 15 is designed to be particularly compact, especially in the y-direction. Furthermore, the flange for connecting the locking unit, as is present in conventional charging contact devices, is not required, thus avoiding the difficulties of additional entry points or sealing the locking unit compared to conventional charging contact devices. This makes the charging contact device 15 shown particularly reliable and ensures that no moisture or dirt enters the locking space 85 or the interior of the housing 80, even under adverse weather conditions.

[0121] Furthermore, the integration of the locking unit 45 into the contact housing 40 allows for the integration of the monitoring of the locking unit 45 and the charging contact device 15 onto, for example, a control board 320. Moreover, only one control contact device 300 is required for this purpose, making the design of the cable harness to be connected to the charging contact device 15 particularly simple. For this purpose, only the control contact device 300 needs to be engaged with the control contact device.

[0122] List of reference numerals

[0123] 10 Charging System

[0124] 15 Charging contact device

[0125] 20 Charging plug

[0126] 25 Charging cable

[0127] 30 vehicles

[0128] 35 First end face

[0129] 40 Contact housing

[0130] 45 Locking Unit

[0131] 50 Charging contact device

[0132] 55 First charging contact element

[0133] 60 Second charging contact element

[0134] 61 Locking cover

[0135] 62. Housing cover

[0136] 70 Insert axis

[0137] 75. Matching contact elements

[0138] 80 Inside the casing

[0139] 85 Locked Space

[0140] 89 Second end face

[0141] 90 First shell opening

[0142] 95 Second housing opening (for locking the cover)

[0143] 100 Surrounding Environment

[0144] 105 receiving space

[0145] 110 Matching Contact Socket

[0146] 120DC charging connection

[0147] 125 contact surface

[0148] 130 receiving profile

[0149] 131 First Sub-part

[0150] 145 outer circumference side

[0151] 150 First shell wall

[0152] 155 Second shell wall

[0153] 160 shell web

[0154] 165 pin opening

[0155] 175 Locking Drive

[0156] 180 locking pin

[0157] 185 locking axis

[0158] 190 First Sales End

[0159] 195 Second Sales End

[0160] 200 Second Sub-part

[0161] 205 connection opening

[0162] 210 locking motor

[0163] 215 Locking Transmission Device

[0164] 216 Transmission device input side

[0165] 217 Transmission device output side

[0166] 220 drive carrier

[0167] 225 First sealing element

[0168] 230 Sealing Bearing

[0169] 235 cover part

[0170] 240 pin guide

[0171] 245 Cover Profile

[0172] 246 Second sealing element

[0173] 250 guide socket

[0174] 255 First Guiding Surface

[0175] 260 Second Guiding Surface

[0176] 265 concavity

[0177] 266 worm gear

[0178] 267 spur gear

[0179] 270 rack and pinion drive

[0180] 275 rack

[0181] 280 limit switch

[0182] 285 connecting arm

[0183] 290 stop bar

[0184] 295 stop surface

[0185] 300 control contact device

[0186] 305 First Control Contact

[0187] 310 Second Control Contact

[0188] 311 Third Control Contact

[0189] 315 pin socket

[0190] 320 control board

[0191] 325 temperature sensor

Claims

1. A charging contact device (15) for a vehicle (30), in, The charging contact device (15) includes a contact housing (40), a locking unit (45), and a charging contact arrangement (50). The charging contact arrangement (50) includes at least one first charging contact element (55) designed to transmit charging current. The first charging contact element (55) includes a first sub-part (135) extending along the insertion axis (70) for electrically contacting the mating contact element (75) of the charging plug (20); and a second sub-part (200) arranged offset from the first sub-part (135). The contact housing includes a receiving profile (130) having at least one receiving space (105) on a first end face (35) and a mating contact socket (110) offset relative to the receiving space (105). The contact housing (40) defines a locking space (85) away from the first end face (35) and the housing interior (80) relative to the insertion axis (70). The second sub-part (200) of the first charging contact element (55) is disposed inside the housing (80), and the first charging contact element (55) passes through the contact housing (40) and protrudes into the housing (80) together with the second sub-part (200). The contact housing (40) includes a pin opening (165) extending between the receiving space (105) and the locking space (85). The locking unit (45) is arranged in the locking space (85) of the contact housing (40).

2. The charging contact device (15) according to claim 1, in, The locking unit (45) includes a locking actuator (175) and a locking pin (180) mechanically driven by the locking actuator (175). The locking actuator (175) is designed to move the locking pin (180) between an unlocked position and a locked position offset from the unlocked position. In the unlocked position, the first pin end (190) of the locking pin (180) engages with the pin opening (165), and in the locked position, the locking pin (180) passes through the pin opening (165) and protrudes into the receiving space (105) together with the first pin end (190). The second pin (195), which is arranged opposite to the first pin (190), is located in the locking space (85) of the contact housing (40) in both the unlocked and locked positions.

3. The charging contact device (15) according to claim 1 or 2, in, The contact housing (40) includes a drive carrier (220) disposed in the locking space (85) and / or inside the housing (80). The locking unit (45) is attached to the drive support member (220). The drive support (220) is integral with the contact housing (40) and is formed of the same material.

4. The charging contact device (15) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The contact housing (40) includes a first housing wall (150), a second housing wall (155), and a housing web (160). The first housing wall (150) extends circumferentially around the insertion axis (70) and defines the locking space (85) and the housing interior (80) in a radial direction relative to the insertion axis (70). The second housing wall (155) is adjacent to the first housing wall (150) at the end face and axially defines the housing interior (80) and the locking space (85). The second housing wall (155) separates the locking space (85) from the receiving space (105). The shell web (160) is arranged on the first shell wall (150) and the second shell wall (155), and at least partially separates the locking space (85) from the interior of the shell.

5. The charging contact device (15) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, Including the first sealing element (225), in, The contact housing (40) includes a sealing support (230) at the pin opening (165), the sealing support being arranged in the locking space (85). The sealing support member (230) circumferentially surrounds the first sealing element (225) and fixes the first sealing element (225) to the pin opening (165). The locking pin (180) passes through the first sealing element (225), and the first sealing element (225) seals the locking space (85) relative to the receiving space (105) in a fluid-tight manner.

6. The charging contact device (15) according to any one of the preceding claims, It has a locking cover (61), in, The contact housing (40) includes a second housing opening (95). The second housing opening (95) leads to the locking space (85). The locking cover (61) is located at the second housing opening (95) and closes the locking space (85).

7. The charging contact device (15) according to claim 6, in, The second housing opening (95) is arranged opposite to the pin opening (165).

8. The charging contact device (15) according to claim 6 or 7, in, The locking cover (61) includes a cover portion (235) and a pin guide (240). The pin guide (240) is arranged on the inside of the cover portion (235) and extends from the cover portion (235) along the direction of the pin opening (165). The locking pin (180) engages in the pin guide (240) on the side opposite to the pin opening (165), and the pin guide (240) guides the locking pin (180) to move between the unlocked position and the locked position. The cover portion (235) is arranged at the second housing opening (95) and closes the second housing opening (95) at the locking space (85).

9. The charging contact device (15) according to any one of claims 2 to 8, in, The locking actuator (175) includes a locking motor (210) and a locking transmission device (215). The locking motor (210) is connected on the output side to the input side (216) of the locking transmission device (215). The locking transmission device (215) includes at least one rack transmission device (270) having a rack (275). The rack (275) is connected to the locking pin (180) so that the locking pin (180) moves linearly along the locking axis (185) between the locked position and the unlocked position.

10. The charging contact device (15) according to any one of the preceding claims, It has a housing cover (62), in, The housing cover (62) is attached to the contact housing (40) on the side opposite to the receiving space (105) and closes the housing interior (80) and the locking space (85).

11. The charging contact device (15) according to any one of the preceding claims, It has a control contact device (300), in, The control contact device (300) is arranged on the side opposite to the receiving space (105). The control contact device (300) includes at least one first control contact (305) and a second control contact (310) arranged offset from the first control contact (305). The locking unit (45) can be controlled via the first control contact (305). Information regarding the operating status of the charging contact arrangement (50), particularly temperature and / or charging status, can be provided via the second control contact (310). The control contact device (300) is arranged on the housing cover (62) on the side opposite to the charging contact arrangement (50).

12. The charging contact device (15) according to any one of claims 2 to 11, in, The locking actuator (175) includes a locking motor (210) and a locking transmission device (215). The locking transmission device (215) includes a transmission device input side (216) and a transmission device output side (217). The input side (216) of the locking transmission device (215) is connected to the locking motor (210) in a torque-locked manner. The output side (217) of the locking transmission device (215) is connected to the locking pin (180). The locking transmission device (215) is preferably designed as a speed reduction transmission device. The locking transmission device (215) is designed to be self-locking, so that the locking transmission device (215) can only be driven via the transmission input side (216).

13. A method for operating the charging contact device (15) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, Provide a charging contact device (15) according to any one of the preceding claims, In the unlocked position, the locking pin (180) engages with the first pin end in the pin opening (165), and in the locked position, it passes through the pin opening (165) and protrudes into the receiving space (105) together with the first pin end. The locking unit (45) causes the locking pin (180) to move between the unlocked position and the locked position.

14. The method according to claim 13, in, The locking pin (180) moves linearly between the locked position and the unlocked position.

Images