Device for protecting a charging interface of a vehicle's traction battery

Abstract

Device (18) for protecting a charging interface (12) of a traction battery of a motor vehicle (36), which can be attached to an inside (20) of a charging flap (14) which can be moved on the vehicle (36) about a pivot axis (A) from a closed position to an open position, wherein the device (18) comprises: a support part (24) which is attached to the inside (20) of the loading flap (14), characterized by at least one section (22) which is attached to the carrier part (24) and which can be folded out and / or unfolded from the direction of the inside (20) of the loading flap (14) towards the loading interface (12), wherein the section (22) comprises means (30) which are designed to detachably connect the section (22) to a body part (10) and / or to an area of ​​the charging interface (12) after opening the charging flap (14).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for protecting a charging interface of a traction battery of a vehicle and a motor vehicle with the device.

[0002] To charge the traction battery of an electric vehicle, the vehicle is connected to an external power source via a power line. The charging time is significantly longer compared to vehicles powered by fossil fuels. As a result, the electric vehicle must be parked in one place for an extended period during the charging process. A sheltered parking space is not always available.

[0003] This can lead to problems, especially in difficult weather conditions, with a possible accumulation of moisture or dirt in the area of ​​the charging interface.

[0004] From DE 10 2010 053 137 A1, a charging interface for a motor vehicle, in particular for an electric vehicle, for charging the traction battery, is known, comprising a charging socket arranged in the body opening and a locking device covering the body opening. It is provided that the charging socket is displaceable in an axial direction of the body opening and that opening the locking device causes the charging socket to move.

[0005] From DE 196 42 687 A1, a locking device for securing a charging socket on a vehicle with a traction battery is further disclosed, wherein a charging plug connected to a power source via a charging cable can be inserted into the charging socket to charge the traction battery. It is provided that the locking device can be used to lock a charging plug inserted into the charging socket against removal.

[0006] From DE 10 2010 053 137 A1 and DE 196 42 687 A1, charging flaps are known which are pivotably attached to a body part of a vehicle in order to cover or open a charging interface.

[0007] The generic patent CN 201808607 U describes a device for protecting the charging interface of a vehicle's traction battery. The device is attachable to the inside of a charging port that can be pivoted from a closed to an open position on the vehicle. The device comprises a foldable rain cover, one end of which is permanently attached to the charging port and the other end to a body panel of the vehicle by means of an adhesive. When the charging port is opened, the cover automatically folds open between the body panel and the charging port.

[0008] CN 203611897 U discloses a device for protecting a charging interface of a vehicle's traction battery, which is attached to the inside of a charging flap that can be pivoted on the vehicle from a closed to an open position. The flap has a horizontal surface at its upper edge, which is fixed to the flap.

[0009] While the known devices generally offer protection against the elements, they have the disadvantage of requiring complex integration into the vehicle concept and consequently offering limited flexibility.

[0010] It is therefore an object of the present invention to create a device for protecting a charging interface of a traction battery of a vehicle, which is flexible and can be manufactured and installed with little effort.

[0011] The problem posed is solved by the subject matter of independent patent claims 1 and 8.

[0012] The present invention relates to a device for protecting a charging interface of a vehicle's traction battery, which can be attached to the inside of a charging flap that is pivotable about an axis from a closed position to an open position in the area of ​​the charging interface. The device comprises: a support element attached to the inside of the charging flap, and at least one section attached to the support element that is essentially foldable and / or extendable from the inside of the charging flap towards the charging interface.

[0013] This offers the advantage that the device can be compactly stored on the inside of the tailgate when it is closed, and can therefore be conveniently carried permanently in the vehicle. Compared to conventional solutions, this results in greater availability, simpler application, and the device can also be manufactured and deployed with very little effort.

[0014] According to the invention, the section includes means designed to detachably connect the section to a body part and / or to an area of ​​the charging interface after opening the charging flap.

[0015] This offers the advantage that the section can be fixed in an unfolded or unfolded position.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the means are designed to create a force-fit and / or form-fit detachable connection.

[0017] This offers the advantage that the section can be fixed particularly securely and easily in an unfolded or extended position.

[0018] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the means comprise at least one magnetic element or at least one suction element or at least one clip element.

[0019] This offers the advantage that fixing the section is possible with particularly little effort and such means can be implemented in a particularly compact manner.

[0020] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the section comprises one or more flexible areas.

[0021] This offers the advantage that the section can be stored particularly compactly, is easy to handle, existing tolerances can be easily compensated for, and the section can be attached to different positions on the body panel and / or the charging port, as well as on the inside of the charging flap. Various spatial arrangements of the section in its unfolded or extended state are also flexibly achievable. All of this advantageously requires no mandatory structural modification of the section.

[0022] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the flexible areas consist at least partially of a film and / or a fabric and / or a plastic skin.

[0023] This offers the advantage that the flexible areas can be produced with minimal effort and are highly durable. Furthermore, these flexible areas are exceptionally adaptable.

[0024] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the section comprises a plurality of flexible areas, between each of which a dimensionally stable area is arranged.

[0025] This offers the advantage that the section can be stabilized in an unfolded or unfolded state. Furthermore, its spatial extent can be influenced by appropriately coordinating the flexible and rigid areas. For example, a spatial path along which the section moves when unfolded can be defined.

[0026] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the section is designed to support the charging flap against a body part and / or an area of ​​the charging interface.

[0027] This offers the advantage of making the device resistant to external forces. Furthermore, the device can be designed with a particularly simple construction, as the force required for a positive connection with the body panel and / or the charging interface can be generated by the charging flap itself.

[0028] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising at least one device according to the invention for protecting a charging interface of a traction battery of a vehicle.

[0029] This offers the advantage of increased safety, flexibility, and vehicle quality. For example, the vehicle can be left parked in exposed locations for extended periods to recharge the traction battery.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that, with the charging flap open and a charging plug positioned in the area of ​​a charging interface, a section of the device can be folded out and / or unfolded essentially from the direction of an inside of the charging flap towards the charging interface, and the section is designed to support the charging flap against a body part and / or an area of ​​the charging interface, or the section comprises one or more flexible areas and means designed to detachably connect the section to the body part and / or the area of ​​the charging interface.

[0031] This offers the advantage that the device can be connected to the motor vehicle in a particularly simple, flexible and effective way.

[0032] Further preferred embodiments of the invention result from the other features mentioned in the dependent claims.

[0033] The various embodiments of the invention mentioned in this application can be advantageously combined with one another, unless otherwise specified in individual cases.

[0034] The invention is explained below using exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a device according to the invention for protecting a charging interface of a traction battery of a vehicle in a preferred embodiment; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a device according to the invention for protecting a charging interface of a traction battery of a vehicle in a further preferred embodiment and Fig. 3 a schematic representation of a motor vehicle according to the invention with a device according to the invention for protecting a charging interface of a traction battery of a vehicle in a preferred embodiment.

[0035] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a device according to the invention for protecting a charging interface of a traction battery of a vehicle in a preferred embodiment. Fig. Figure 1a schematically shows a body part 10 of a vehicle, a charging interface 12 with an open charging flap 14, which can be moved about a pivot axis A from an open position to a closed position and vice versa. Furthermore, it shows Fig. Figure 1a schematically shows a charging plug 16, which is arranged in the charging interface 12. The device according to the invention for protecting a charging interface of a traction battery of a vehicle 18 is arranged on an inner side 20 of the charging flap 14. The device 18 comprises a section 22, which can be folded out substantially from the direction of the inner side 20 of the charging flap 14 towards the charging interface 12. Fig. Figure 1a shows the device 18 in a state in which the section 22 is folded in. The device 18 comprises a dimensionally stable support part 24, which is positively or frictionally connected to the inner side 20 of the loading flap 14. This can be achieved, for example, with a bayonet fitting, screws, or other means known to those skilled in the art. The section 22 is attached to the support part 24 and can be fixed in a folded state. Fig. 1b shows the same components as Fig. 1a. Section 22 is in the Fig. However, in the state shown in Figure 1b, the section 22 is unfolded from the inside 20 of the charging flap 14 towards the charging interface 12. Section 22 comprises several flexible areas 26 made of a film, between each of which a dimensionally stable area 28 is arranged. The extent of section 22 in an unfolded state can be influenced by appropriately designing the flexible areas 26 and the dimensionally stable areas 28. Taking into account the specific vehicle, for example, a motor vehicle, the person skilled in the art makes these adjustments independently. Section 22 can be detachably connected to the body part 10. In this embodiment, section 22 can be frictionally connected to the body part 10. For this purpose, the device 18 includes means 30 in the area of ​​section 22, which are designed to create a frictionally lockable connection with the body part 10.In this embodiment, the means 30 comprise a magnetic element 32, which is connected to section 22 at an end region 34 of section 22. In other embodiments, the means 30 can also provide a positive-locking connection or a positive-locking and friction-locking detachable connection. The means 30 can, for example, comprise a suction element or a clip element. Section 22 can also be detachably connected to a region of the charging interface 12. The person skilled in the art will independently develop other possibilities for connecting section 22 to the body part 10 and / or the charging interface 12, as well as for suitable attachment of section 22 to the inside 20 of the charging flap 14, taking into account the specific design constraints. Preferably, the device 18 is made of plastic or another non-corrosive material.For section 22, in the case of flexible areas 26, films, fabrics, skins are particularly suitable, and for the dimensionally stable areas 28, dimensionally stable structural elements made of plastic are particularly suitable.

[0036] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a device according to the invention for protecting a charging interface of a traction battery of a vehicle in a further preferred embodiment. Fig. Figure 2a shows the body part 10, the charging interface 12 with the open charging flap 14, which can be moved about the pivot axis A, and the charging plug 16, which is arranged in the charging interface 12. Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b. The in Fig. The embodiment shown in section 2 differs from the embodiment shown in the Fig. 1. This is achieved by section 22 being designed to support the charging flap 14 against the body part 10 and / or an area of ​​the charging interface 12. In this embodiment, section 22 is not foldable, but rather retractable. Section 22 is a dimensionally stable component. The support part 24 is, as in the example of Fig. 1, dimensionally stable and attached to the inside 20 of the loading flap 14. The materials used are essentially those described in the exemplary embodiment. Fig. The materials described in section 1 are taken into consideration. The specific design also follows the design guidelines that apply to the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 1 have been described. Fig. 2b shows the same components as Fig. 2a. Section 22 can be, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 2b, the charging flap 14 is supported against an area of ​​the body part 10 and / or the charging interface 12 by unfolding section 22 and then folding the charging flap 14 partially closed until section 22 comes to rest against the body part 10 and / or the charging interface 12. Section 22 can have additional means 30 in its end region 34, which are designed to establish a friction-fit and / or form-fit releasable connection with the body part 10 and / or the charging interface 12. For this purpose, the means shown in the Fig. The means mentioned in point 1, for example a suction element or a magnetic element, may be used.

[0037] Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of a motor vehicle according to the invention with a device according to the invention for protecting a charging interface of a traction battery of a vehicle in a preferred embodiment. The motor vehicle 36 is in Fig. 3a shown in a front view, in Fig. 3b in a rear view and in Fig. 3c in a side view. In Fig. Figure 3 shows the position 38 at which the device according to the invention for protecting a charging interface of a vehicle 18 can be attached. It is readily apparent to those skilled in the art that position 38 corresponds to the position of a charging interface 12 and a charging flap 14 of the motor vehicle 36. The device 18 is, as shown in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shown, can be attached to the motor vehicle 36 at position 38. If other vehicles or motor vehicles 36 have a different design concept with regard to the charging interface or the charging flap, the person skilled in the art will readily be able to make the necessary structural adjustments to the device 18 and arrange it appropriately on the respective charging flap. Reference symbol list 10 Body parts 12 Charging interface 14 Charging port 16 charging plugs 18 Device for protecting a charging interface of a vehicle's traction battery 20 Inside Section 22 24 Carrier part 26 flexible area 28 dimensionally stable area 30 Means for creating a force-fit and / or form-fit detachable connection 32 magnetic elements 34 End area 36 Motor vehicle 38 Position A swivel axis

Claims

[1] Device (18) for protecting a charging interface (12) of a traction battery of a motor vehicle (36), which can be attached to an inside (20) of a charging flap (14) which can be moved on the vehicle (36) about a pivot axis (A) from a closed position to an open position, wherein the device (18) comprises: a support part (24) which is attached to the inside (20) of the loading flap (14), characterized by at least one section (22) which is attached to the carrier part (24) and which can be folded out and / or unfolded from the direction of the inside (20) of the loading flap (14) towards the loading interface (12), wherein the section (22) comprises means (30) which are designed to detachably connect the section (22) to a body part (10) and / or to an area of ​​the charging interface (12) after opening the charging flap (14). [2] Device (18) for protecting a charging interface (12) of a traction battery of a motor vehicle (36) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the means (30) are designed to create a force-fit and / or form-fit detachable connection. [3] Device (18) for protecting a charging interface (12) of a traction battery of a motor vehicle (36) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the means (30) comprise at least one magnetic element (32) or at least one suction element or at least one clipping element. [4] Device (18) for protecting a charging interface (12) of a traction battery of a motor vehicle (36) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by that section (22) includes one or more flexible areas (26). [5] Device (18) for protecting a charging interface (12) of a traction battery of a motor vehicle (36) according to claim 4, characterized by, that the flexible areas (26) consist at least partially of a film and / or a fabric and / or a plastic skin. [6] Device (18) for protecting a charging interface of a traction battery of a motor vehicle (36) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized by , that the section (22) comprises a plurality of flexible areas (26) between which a dimensionally stable area (28) is arranged. [7] Device (18) for protecting a charging interface (12) of a traction battery of a motor vehicle (36) according to claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that the section (22) is designed to support the charging flap (14) against a body part (10) and / or an area of ​​the charging interface (12). [8] Motor vehicle (36) comprising at least one device (18) for protecting a charging interface of a traction battery of the vehicle (36) according to one of claims 1 to 7. [9] Motor vehicle (36) according to claim 8, in which, with the charging flap (14) open and a charging plug (16) placed in the area of ​​a charging interface (12), a section (22) of the device (18) is foldable and / or extendable from the direction of an inside (20) of the charging flap (14) towards the charging interface (12) and the section (22) is configured to support the charging flap (14) against a body part (10) and / or an area of ​​the charging interface (12) or the section (22) comprises one or more flexible areas (26) and means (30) configured to detachably connect the section (22) to the body part (10) and / or the area of ​​the charging interface (12).

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