Charging port device

Abstract

The invention relates to a charging connection device (100) for an electrically powered or driveable vehicle, comprising a charging recess (20), at least one temperature control device (30), and at least one charging port (10) for charging plugs. The charging recess (20) has at least one heat-conducting area (22). The at least one temperature control device (30) is thermally coupled to the at least one heat-conducting area (22), and the at least one heat-conducting area (22) can be selectively heated or cooled at least temporarily via the temperature control device (30). According to the invention, the temperature control device (30) is designed as a Peltier element (32).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a charging connection device for an electrically powered or powered vehicle.

[0002] At low temperatures, charging port devices can be impaired in their accessibility and / or function by snow and ice, because the charging port cover and / or charging plug may be frozen shut. Heated charging port devices for electrically powered or self-propelled vehicles are known.

[0003] DE 10 2016 122 009 A1 discloses a charging device for an electrically powered vehicle. This charging device has a charging cradle with a charging interface for connecting a charging plug for electrically charging the vehicle's battery. The charging cradle of the charging device has a heating device for heating the charging cradle during the charging process.

[0004] German patent DE 10 2021 118 380 A1 describes a socket for connecting a charging cable to a motor vehicle, a charging station, or a connecting cable for connecting a motor vehicle to a charging station. The socket has a heating element made of an electrically conductive plastic.

[0005] DE 20 2020 101 030 U1 describes a vehicle assembly which includes, among other things, a power converter, a charging connection assembly and a heat conductor that transfers heat energy from the power converter to the charging connection assembly.

[0006] The generic document CN 1 10 014 946 A discloses a charging system for a vehicle which includes a heat dissipation system. For this purpose, a cooling line is arranged on the bottom wall and the circumferential wall of the charging connection element. The cooling line has a connection element for being connected to an external cooling source, so that the temperature of the charging connection element can be effectively reduced and thus overheating of the charging connection element can be effectively prevented.

[0007] US Patent 2020 / 0376970 A1 describes an electric vehicle charging adapter comprising a housing and a converter located within the housing for converting alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC). The AC-DC converter includes an electrical input for receiving AC from an external source and an electrical output for supplying DC to the vehicle. The vehicle's charging module can dissipate heat to the vehicle's cooling system via a heat dissipation system.

[0008] From DE 20 2011 050 446 U1, an electrical plug-in device element with a housing and an electrical contact element arranged therein is known, wherein the housing has a cavity through which a cooling medium can flow via an access opening and an outlet opening.

[0009] German patent application DE 10 2017 112 390 A1 discloses a charging socket for an electrically powered vehicle comprising a base body and a contact section with electrical contacts. A charging plug with mating electrical contacts can be positively connected to the charging socket to form an electrical charging connection. The base body includes at least one heating element for heating the contact section.

[0010] From DE 11 2018 001 081 T5, a movable flap assembly for the exterior of a vehicle is known. A heating element is coupled to the movable flap assembly and can use energy from the battery to heat at least part of the movable flap assembly.

[0011] One object of the invention is to create an improved charging connection device for an electrically powered or powered vehicle with a charging recess having at least one charging connection for charging plugs.

[0012] The aforementioned problem is solved using the features of an independent claim.

[0013] Favorable embodiments and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the further claims, the description and the drawing.

[0014] According to one aspect of the invention, a charging connection device for an electrically powered or powered vehicle is proposed, comprising a charging recess, at least one temperature control device, and at least one charging port for charging plugs. The charging recess has at least one heat-conducting area. The at least one temperature control device is thermally coupled to the at least one heat-conducting area, and the at least one heat-conducting area can be selectively heated or cooled, at least temporarily, via the temperature control device.

[0015] In the proposed charging connection device, for example, a temperature control device is arranged on the housing of the charging cradle or on the front of the charging cradle. Areas of the front or housing are designed as good heat conductors, to which the temperature control device is thermally coupled. A Peltier element, for example, can be used as the temperature control device, in which heating or cooling power can be generated by applying an electric current, depending on the current direction.

[0016] In the case of heating, the heat is transferred from the outside to the charging cradle via the heat-conducting area, thus preventing the charging cradle cover and / or the charging plug from freezing. Small heating power levels are usually sufficient for this purpose, which can practically be achieved using Peltier elements.

[0017] In another embodiment, the heat-conducting area can also serve as a radiator to dissipate waste heat during charging. The heat from the hot charging cables is transferred to the heat-conducting area, for example via a heat pipe, and can then be radiated outwards. Additionally, the temperature control device can enhance this effect by cooling the heat-conducting area.

[0018] According to the invention, the temperature control device is designed as a Peltier element. A Peltier element is a thermoelectric semiconductor that can be advantageously used for heating and cooling. Whether the Peltier element heats or cools can be determined by the polarity of the electric current. In this case, one side of the Peltier element is warm, while the other side is cold. The Peltier element can expediently be electrically insulated and mounted on the housing or the front of the loading cradle.

[0019] According to an advantageous embodiment of the charging port device, a front surface and / or a housing of the charging tray can be designed as a heat-conducting area. This heat-conducting area can, for example, be located around the charging port. If a temperature control device is attached to this heat-conducting area, freezing of the charging tray cover and / or the charging plug can be advantageously prevented. Likewise, heat generated, for example, at the charging port or associated busbars during vehicle charging, can be radiated away or dissipated via the temperature control device.

[0020] According to an advantageous embodiment of the charging connection device, the charging cradle can be designed as a heat-conducting area. In this way, both heating and cooling of the charging cradle via the temperature control device can be carried out effectively. The radiation of heat is also more efficient due to the larger surface area of ​​the charging cradle.

[0021] According to an advantageous embodiment of the charging connection device, the at least one temperature control device can be arranged laterally, particularly on the outside, especially in an area inaccessible by the charging plug, on the charging cradle. This allows the temperature control device to be conveniently located on the charging cradle even in confined spaces.

[0022] According to an advantageous embodiment of the charging connection device, the power contacts of the charging connection can be thermally coupled to the at least one heat-conducting area. In particular, the power contacts of the charging connection can be thermally coupled to the at least one heat-conducting area via a heat pipe.

[0023] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the charging connection device, the power contacts of the charging connection can be thermally coupled to the at least one heat-conducting area via busbars connected to the power contacts. In particular, the busbars connected to the power contacts of the charging connection device can be thermally coupled to the at least one heat-conducting area via a heat pipe.

[0024] As a further option, the heat-conducting area can also serve as a radiator to dissipate waste heat during charging. In this case, the heat from the hot charging cables can be efficiently transferred to the heat-conducting area via a heat pipe and thus radiated outwards. By cooling the heat-conducting area via the temperature control device, the heat pipe can operate more effectively and dissipate more heat.

[0025] The heat pipe can be conveniently connected to the busbars or the charging port in an electrically insulated manner.

[0026] According to an advantageous embodiment of the charging connection device, the at least one heat-conducting area can be designed to radiate heat to the surroundings. In this way, the heat lost during charging of the vehicle can be efficiently dissipated and radiated to the surroundings.

[0027] According to an advantageous embodiment of the charging port device, the temperature control device can be electrically connected to a vehicle battery and / or, if the charging port is connected to a charging station, to the charging port itself. For example, the charging port can be preheated with the battery's electrical power before the charging plug is inserted, in order to defrost the charging tray and thus make it accessible. During the charging process, the temperature control device can, for example, cool the charging port using electrical power from the charging station.

[0028] According to an advantageous embodiment of the charging connection device, the temperature control device can be coupled with a control and / or regulating device of the charging connection device, which is designed to operate the temperature control device for a predetermined period of time.

[0029] For example, if the charging port cover and / or charging plug are frozen shut, pre-conditioning can be activated to heat the charging recess and run for a predetermined period. After this heating cycle, it can be checked whether the charging port cover and / or charging plug are free. If not, another heating cycle can be started.

[0030] During the charging process, for example, the cooling function of the temperature control device can be operated temporarily to dissipate the waste heat.

[0031] According to an advantageous embodiment of the charging connection device, the temperature control device can be coupled with a control and / or regulating device of the charging connection device, which is designed to operate the temperature control device automatically within a predetermined temperature range.

[0032] Before starting the vehicle and while charging is still in progress, the heating function of the temperature control unit can be automatically activated for a predetermined period, for example, 5 minutes, before the departure time, if the ambient temperature is low, such as between -10°C and 5°C. This ensures that the charging plug is free of ice and can be disconnected before departure.

[0033] Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawings. The drawings illustrate an embodiment of the invention. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. A person skilled in the art will expediently consider the features individually and combine them into meaningful further combinations.

[0034] This shows: Fig. 1 A schematic representation of a charging connection device for an electrically powered or powered vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention in top view; and Fig. 2 the charging connection device according to a further embodiment of the invention in a side view.

[0035] In the figures, identical or similar components are numbered with the same reference symbols. The figures merely show examples and are not to be understood as limiting.

[0036] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a charging connection device 100 for an electrically powered or powered vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention in a top view.

[0037] The charging connection device 100 comprises a charging recess 20 with a charging port 10 for charging plugs. The charging port 10 can, as shown, be designed for the so-called Combined Charging System (CCS).

[0038] A temperature control device 30 in the form of a Peltier element 32 is attached to each side of the housing 26 of the loading trough 20.

[0039] In particular, the temperature control device 30 can be arranged laterally, especially on the outside, especially in an area inaccessible by the charging plug, on the charging recess 20.

[0040] The Peltier element 32 has a hot side 34 and an opposing cold side 36. The Peltier elements 32 are in Fig. 1 each with the hot side 34 arranged on the housing 26.

[0041] In Fig. Figure 1 shows an electrical connection of the parallel-connected Peltier elements 32. The electrical voltage is applied to the two poles marked plus (+) and minus (-). Whether one side of the Peltier element 32 is the hot side 34 or the cold side 36 depends on the polarity of the applied electrical voltage.

[0042] The charging recess 20 has at least one thermally conductive area 22. For example, the front side 24, for instance around the charging port 10, and / or the housing 26 of the charging recess 20 can be designed as a thermally conductive area 22. Optionally, the entire charging recess 20 can also be designed as a thermally conductive area 22.

[0043] In the illustrated embodiment, the temperature control device 30, in the form of the Peltier elements 32, is thermally coupled to the at least one heat-conducting area 22. With the polarity of the Peltier elements 32 in the illustrated embodiment, the heat-conducting area 22 can be electrically heated at least temporarily via the temperature control device 30, thus preventing the charging tray cover and / or the charging plug from freezing or removing any existing icing.

[0044] The temperature control device 30 can be electrically connected to a vehicle battery and / or, if connected to a charging station, to the charging port 10. This allows the charging port 10 to be preheated with the battery's electrical power before the charging plug is connected, in order to defrost the charging recess 20 and thus make it accessible.

[0045] Furthermore, the temperature control device 30 can be coupled with a control and / or regulating device (not shown) which is designed to operate the temperature control device 30 for a predetermined period of time.

[0046] For example, if the charging port cover and / or charging plug are frozen shut, pre-conditioning can be activated to heat the charging cradle 20 and run for a predetermined period. After this heating cycle, it can be checked whether the charging port cover and / or charging plug are free of ice. If not, another heating cycle can be started.

[0047] Furthermore, the temperature control device 30 can be operated automatically within a specified temperature range using the control and / or regulating device.

[0048] Before the vehicle is started and while charging is still in progress, the heating function of the temperature control unit 30 can be automatically activated for a predetermined period, for example 5 minutes, before the departure time, if the ambient temperature is low, e.g., between -10°C and 5°C. This ensures that the charging plug can be disconnected before departure.

[0049] In Fig. Figure 2 shows a side view of the charging connection device 100 according to a further embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the Peltier element 32 is polarized such that the cold side 36 is in contact with the heat-conducting area 22.

[0050] The busbars 12, which are electrically coupled to the power contacts 14 of the charging port 10, are thermally coupled to the heat-conducting area 22 via a heat pipe 40. The heat pipe 40 conducts waste heat from the busbars 22 to the heat-conducting area 22, which radiates the heat to the surroundings. This cooling process is supported by the temperature control device 30, which additionally cools the heat-conducting area 22.

[0051] During the charging process, the temperature control device 30 can cool the charging port 10 using electrical power from the charging station. It may also be sufficient to operate this cooling function only intermittently to dissipate the waste heat. Reference symbol list 10 charging ports 12 busbar 14 Performance Contact 20 loading troughs 22 heat-conducting area 24 Front 26 cases 30 Temperature control device 32 Peltier element 34 Hot side 36 Cold side 40 heat pipe 100 charging port device

Claims

[1] Charging connection device (100) for an electrically powered or drivable vehicle comprising a loading trough (20), at least one temperature control device (30) and at least a charging port (10) for charging plugs, wherein the loading trough (20) has at least one heat-conducting region (22), wherein the at least one temperature control device (30) is thermally coupled to the at least one heat-conducting region (22), and wherein the at least one heat-conducting region (22) can be selectively heated or cooled at least temporarily via the temperature control device (30), characterized by , that the temperature control device (30) is designed as a Peltier element (32). [2] Charging connection device according to claim 1, characterized by that a front side (24) and / or a housing (26) of the charging recess (20) is designed as a heat-conducting region (22). [3] Charging connection device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the loading trough (20) is designed as a heat-conducting area (22). [4] Charging connection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the at least one temperature control device (30) is arranged laterally, in particular externally, in particular in an area inaccessible by charging plugs, on the charging trough (20). [5] Charging connection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that Power contacts (14) of the charging connection (10) are thermally coupled to the at least one heat-conducting region (22), in particular wherein the power contacts (14) of the charging connection (10) are thermally coupled to the at least one heat-conducting region (22) via a heat pipe (40). [6] Charging connection device according to claim 5, characterized by , that the power contacts (14) of the charging connection (10) are thermally coupled to the at least one heat-conducting region (22) via busbars (12) of the charging connection device (100) connected to the power contacts (14), in particular wherein the busbars (12) of the charging connection device (100) connected to the power contacts (14) are thermally coupled to the at least one heat-conducting region (22) via a heat pipe (40). [7] Charging connection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the at least one heat-conducting region (22) is designed to radiate heat to the environment. [8] Charging connection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the temperature control device (30) can be or is electrically coupled to a battery of the vehicle and / or, in the case of a charging connection (10) coupled to a charging station, to the charging connection (10). [9] Charging connection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the temperature control device (30) is coupled to a control and / or regulating device of the charging connection device (100), which is designed to operate the temperature control device (30) for a predetermined period of time. [10] Charging connection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the temperature control device (30) is coupled to a control and / or regulating device of the charging connection device (100), which is designed to automatically operate the temperature control device (30) in a predetermined temperature range.

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