Charging port device

Abstract

The invention relates to a charging connection device (100) for an electrically powered or powered vehicle with a charging recess (80) with at least two charging connections (10, 20) arranged next to each other for charging plugs, wherein an inner cover element (30) is arranged in the charging recess (80), which optionally covers at least one of the at least two charging connections (10, 20), in particular covers in a touch-proof manner. The cover element (30) is arranged with a pivot axis (32) in or on the loading trough (80) and has a first locking position (12, 22) in a first pivoted position and a second locking position (22, 12) of the at least two loading ports (10, 20) in a second pivoted position.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a charging connection device for an electrically driven or drivable vehicle with a charging recess with at least two charging connections for charging plugs arranged next to one another.

[0002] If at least two charging ports, for example, one AC charging port and one DC charging port, or two AC charging ports, or two DC charging ports, are to be arranged in a charging bay, the required installation space becomes a major challenge, as the installation space is usually very limited in all directions. Furthermore, unused charging ports must be covered for safety reasons and to protect against contamination.

[0003] DE 10 2021 006 063 A1 describes a charging connection device for an electrically powered vehicle with at least one charging connection configured as a combined DC / AC charging connection with AC contact elements and DC contact elements. Furthermore, the charging connection device comprises a cover assembly having a covering position and at least two releasing positions, wherein the releasing positions of the cover assembly are each assigned to a charging mode. The cover assembly comprises at least one movably mounted cover element, which is movable between a covering position and at least one releasing position.In a first release position of the cover assembly, the AC contact elements of the DC-AC charging port are released, and the DC contact elements of the DC-AC charging port are covered by at least one of the cover elements. In the second release position of the cover assembly, the AC contact elements and the DC contact elements of the DC-AC charging port are released. In the covering position of the cover assembly, the charging ports are covered by at least one cover element.

[0004] DE 10 2021 003 654 A1 discloses a charging connection device for an electrically driven vehicle with at least two charging connections, in particular charging sockets, in particular a first direct current charging connection and a second direct current and / or alternating current charging connection, wherein the at least two charging connections can each be covered with a charging connection cover, and with an actuating device via which accessibility for contacting one of the at least two charging connections can be selectively changed. The at least two charging connection covers are coupled to one another via a coupling device such that the at least two charging connection covers can be moved synchronously with one another.

[0005] DE 10 2022 001 702 A1 describes a charging connection device for an electrically powered vehicle, comprising a charging recess with at least two charging connections for charging plugs and a charging recess cover for covering the charging recess, which has an open position and a closed position. Arranged within the charging recess cover is a cover element with an adjustable width, which selectively covers one of the at least two charging connections and is adjustable according to the respective widths of the at least two charging connections.

[0006] An object of the invention is to provide an improved charging connection device for an electrically powered or drivable vehicle.

[0007] The above-mentioned problem is solved by the features of the independent claim.

[0008] Advantageous embodiments and advantages of the invention emerge from the further claims, the description and the drawing.

[0009] According to one aspect of the invention, a charging connection device for an electrically powered or drivable vehicle is proposed, comprising a charging recess with at least two charging connections for charging plugs arranged side by side. An inner cover element is arranged in the charging recess, which optionally covers at least one of the at least two charging connections, in particular covers it securely against contact. The cover element is arranged with a pivot axis in or on the charging recess and has a first closed position in a first pivoted position and a second closed position for the at least two charging connections in a second pivoted position.

[0010] The proposed charging connection device has a cover for a charging recess with at least two charging connections, which, contrary to the prior art, is not designed with a sliding mechanism, but with a pivoting flap as a cover element that covers either one charging connection or the other. For this purpose, the flap can be held in the respective closed position, for example, by a magnet and can have a seal on each side that corresponds to the charging socket. The cover can be held centrally between two charging connections via hinges. In a particularly space-optimized design, the cover element can have a recess on the inside on the pivot axis, so that although both charging connections are still covered in each state, the cover element still allows handling of the charging plug on the exposed charging connection.In this way, the installation space can be used optimally.

[0011] Such a solution, with a flap positioned centrally between the charging ports as a cover element, proves to be very compact. This allows for a favorable reduction in installation space while also taking into account the standard grip area for charging plugs. The flap covers one of the two charging ports as needed, while the uncovered charging port can be used for charging.

[0012] With the proposed arrangement of the cover element in use with two charging connections in a charging recess, the cover element and components required for the cover element, such as the drive motor, gearbox / gears, handlebars, and holders, can be designed to be smaller, lighter, and more cost-effective.

[0013] It is advantageous to implement both automated and manual charging and to combine manual and automated charging.

[0014] Depending on the vehicle, the installation space may make it possible to integrate two charging ports into a charging cradle in the vehicle in this way.

[0015] Furthermore, manual operation of the charging process by the driver can be advantageously implemented, whereby no mechanical locking device has to be unlocked before the cover element can be moved.

[0016] According to an advantageous embodiment of the charging connection device, the pivot axis can be arranged between the at least two charging connections. In particular, the pivot axis can be arranged centrally between two of the charging connections. Such a space-saving arrangement allows the cover element to be conveniently pivoted onto one or the other charging connection and cover it.

[0017] According to an advantageous embodiment of the charging connection device, at least one hinge can be arranged, in particular centrally, between the at least two charging connections and can have the pivot axis. The cover element can be held by the at least one hinge. In this way, as little installation space as possible is required outside the area of ​​the charging connections for the arrangement of the cover element.

[0018] According to an advantageous embodiment of the charging connection device, the cover element can be disk-shaped and have a sealing element on each of its two opposite surfaces, which is designed to correspond to the respective charging connection and which, in the respective closed position, tightly surrounds the corresponding charging connection. The sealing element can thus be favorably adapted to the contour of the respective charging connection and reliably cover it tightly.

[0019] According to an advantageous embodiment of the charging connection device, the charging recess or the cover element can have at least one magnetic element, which interacts with a magnetic counter-element arranged on the cover element or on the charging recess, thereby holding the cover element in the closed position. The magnetic element can be used to securely hold the cover element in the respective closed position. The strength of the magnet allows the force required to release the cover element from the closed position to be adjusted effectively, allowing the cover element to be moved from one closed position to another.

[0020] According to an advantageous embodiment of the charging connection device, the cover element can have a recess in the region of its pivot axis. At least two hinges can be arranged between the at least two charging connections, in particular centrally between two of the charging connections, along the pivot axis, wherein the cover element is held by the at least two hinges, and wherein the recess is arranged between the at least two hinges. In a particularly space-optimized embodiment, the cover element can have a recess on the inside on the pivot axis, so that although both charging connections are still covered in their respective states, the cover element nevertheless allows handling of the charging plug on the exposed charging connection. In this way, the installation space can be optimally utilized.

[0021] According to an advantageous embodiment of the charging connection device, the cover element can have an actuating element, in particular a rear grip arranged on the front side, for manually releasing the cover element from the closed position. Thus, the cover element can conveniently be manually folded from one closed position to the other.

[0022] According to an advantageous embodiment of the charging connection device, at least two sensors can be arranged in or on the charging recess, each of which is assigned to the respective one of the at least two charging connections, whereby the closed position of the cover element at the respective charging connection can be detected. This allows reliable detection of whether one charging connection is securely covered before the other charging connection is released for charging. The sensors can thus be used to automate the charging release process.

[0023] According to an advantageous embodiment of the charging connection device, the cover element can be coupled to at least one angle sensor, which detects an angular position of the cover element about the pivot axis. This makes it easy to determine whether a movement of the cover element was initiated manually.

[0024] According to an advantageous embodiment of the charging connection device, the cover element can be coupled to at least one drive. In particular, a guide for a drive axis of the cover element can be arranged on a side of the charging recess facing the vehicle interior. By means of a drive, which can be accommodated in the charging recess in a space-saving manner, the movement of the cover element can be automated, so that, for example, the required charging connection can be released by electrically controlling the drive.

[0025] Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawings. The drawings illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. Those skilled in the art will also expediently consider the features individually and combine them into useful further combinations.

[0026] Showing: Fig. 1 a plan view of a charging connection device for an electrically powered or drivable vehicle, with a charging recess with at least two charging connections for charging plugs arranged next to one another, according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 a plan view of a side of the charging connection device facing the vehicle interior according to Fig. 1; and Fig. 3 a plan view of a charging connection device according to a further embodiment of the invention.

[0027] In the figures, identical or similar components are numbered with the same reference numerals. The figures show only examples and are not to be understood as limiting.

[0028] Fig. 1 shows a plan view of a charging connection device 100 for an electrically driven or drivable vehicle, with a charging recess 80 with at least two charging connections 10, 20 for charging plugs arranged next to one another, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0029] An inner cover element 30 is arranged in the charging recess 80, which optionally covers at least one of the at least two charging connections 10, 20, in particular covers it in a touch-proof manner.

[0030] The cover element 30 is arranged with a pivot axis 32 in or on the charging recess 80 and, in a first pivoted position, has a first closure position 12, 22 and, in a second pivoted position, a second closure position 22. 12 of the at least two charging ports 10, 20. The pivot axis 32 is arranged centrally between the two charging ports 10, 20.

[0031] In the illustrated position of the cover element 30, one charging port 10 is exposed. The cover element 30 is shown in the second closed position 22. At least one additional charging port 20 is arranged beneath the cover element 30. However, another charging port could also be arranged, so that the cover element 30 can also cover two charging ports simultaneously.

[0032] A hinge 34 is arranged centrally between the at least two charging ports 10, 20 and has a pivot axis 32. The cover element 30 is held by the hinge 34 and can thus be pivoted about the pivot axis 32.

[0033] The cover element 30 is disc-shaped and has a sealing element 40 on each of its two opposing surfaces 36, 38, which is designed to correspond to the respective charging port 10, 20. Thus, in the respective closed position 12, 22, the sealing element 40 can tightly surround the corresponding charging port 10, 20 all the way around and reliably seal it against environmental influences.

[0034] As shown, a charge level indicator 58 can be arranged in the charging recess 80, by means of which it can be seen from the outside whether the vehicle is charging.

[0035] In Fig. Figure 2 shows a plan view of the side of the charging connection device 100 facing the vehicle interior. For the sake of simplicity, the two charging connections 10, 20 are shown as openings in the contour of the charging recess 80 without corresponding plug contacts.

[0036] As particularly in Fig. 2, the charging recess 80 has a magnetic element 50 adjacent to the charging connections 10, 20, which is connected to a magnetic counter-element 52 arranged on the cover element 30, for example a metal plate (in Fig. 1 on the cover element 30). This allows the cover element 30, once it has reached a closed position 12, 22, to be held in the closed position 12, 22.

[0037] The cover element 30 has an actuating element 44 designed as a rear grip arranged on the front side (see Fig. 1) for manually releasing the cover element 30 from the locking position 12, 22. This allows the holding force of the magnetic element 50 to be overcome and the cover element 30 to be folded from one locking position 12, 22 to the other locking position 22, 12.

[0038] Two sensors 54 are also arranged in the charging recess 80, which are assigned to the respective charging port 10, 20. The sensors 54 can be used to determine whether the cover element 30 is in the corresponding locking position 12, 22 on the respective charging port 10, 20.

[0039] Furthermore, the cover element 30 can be coupled, for example via the pivot axis 32, to an angle sensor 56, which detects an angular position of the cover element 30 about the pivot axis 32. This allows the current position of the cover element 30 to be determined for automated release of one of the charging ports 10, 20.

[0040] The cover element 40 can also be coupled to a drive 60. The angle sensor 56 and the drive 60 can be arranged in a single housing. For space reasons, a guide 46 of a drive shaft of the cover element 30 can advantageously be arranged on the side 82 of the loading trough 80 facing the vehicle interior. The cover element 30 can also be automatically moved from one locking position 12, 22 to the other locking position 22, 12 via the drive 60.

[0041] The charge level indicator 58 is mounted on the back 82 of the charging tray 80, as shown in Fig. 2 can be seen.

[0042] Fig. 3 shows a plan view of a charging connection device 100 according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0043] The Fig. The charging connection device 100 shown in Figure 3 is essentially like the embodiment of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 trained.

[0044] The difference is that the Fig. The cover element 30 shown in Figure 3 has a recess 42 in the region of its pivot axis 32. Two hinges 34, 35 are arranged centrally between the charging ports 10, 20, along the pivot axis 32. The cover element 30 is thus held by the two hinges 34, 35. The recess 42 of the cover element 30 is arranged between the hinges 34, 35.

[0045] In this particularly space-optimized design, the cover element 30 has a recess 42 on the inside of the pivot axis 32, so that both charging ports 10, 20 are still covered in their respective states, but the cover element 30 still allows handling of the charging plug at the exposed charging port 10, 20. In this way, the installation space can be optimally utilized. List of reference symbols 10 Charging port 12 locking position 20 Charging port 22 locking position 30 cover element 32 swivel axis 34 Hinge 35 Hinge 36 side surface 38 side surface 40 sealing element 42 recess 44 Actuating element 46 Guide 50 magnetic elements 52 Counter element 54 Sensor 56 angle sensor 58 Charge level indicator 60 drive 80 loading trough 82 pages 100 charging connection device QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2021 006 063 A1

[0003] DE 10 2021 003 654 A1

[0004] DE 10 2022 001 702 A1

[0005]

Claims

[1] Charging connection device (100) for an electrically driven or drivable vehicle with a charging recess (80) with at least two charging connections (10, 20) for charging plugs arranged next to one another, wherein an inner cover element (30) is arranged in the charging recess (80), which optionally covers at least one of the at least two charging connections (10, 20), in particular covers it in a touch-proof manner, wherein the cover element (30) is arranged with a pivot axis (32) in or on the charging recess (80) and has a first closure position (12, 22) in a first pivoted position and a second closure position (22, 12) of the at least two charging connections (10, 20) in a second pivoted position. [2] Charging connection device according to claim 1, wherein the pivot axis (32) is arranged between the at least two charging connections (10, 20), in particular centrally, between two of the charging connections (10, 20). [3] Charging connection device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one hinge (34, 35), in particular centrally, is arranged between the at least two charging connections (10, 20) and has the pivot axis (32), wherein the cover element (30) is held by the at least one hinge (34, 35). [4] Charging connection device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover element (30) is designed in the form of a disc and has on each of its two opposite surfaces (36, 38) a sealing element (40) which is designed to correspond to the respective charging connection (10, 20) and which, in the respective closed position (12, 22), tightly surrounds the corresponding charging connection (10, 20) all the way around. [5] Charging connection device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the charging recess (80) or the cover element (30) has at least one magnetic element (50) which cooperates with a magnetic counter-element (52) arranged on the cover element (30) or on the charging recess (80), whereby the cover element (30) is held in the closed position (12, 22). [6] Charging connection device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover element (30) has a recess (42) in the region of its pivot axis (32), wherein at least two hinges (34, 35) are arranged between the at least two charging connections (10, 20), in particular centrally between two of the charging connections (10, 20), along the pivot axis (32), wherein the cover element (30) is held by the at least two hinges (34, 35), wherein the recess (42) is arranged between the at least two hinges (34, 35). [7] Charging connection device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover element (30) has an actuating element (44), in particular a rear grip arranged on the front side, for manually releasing the cover element (30) from the closed position (12, 22). [8] Charging connection device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least two sensors (54) are arranged in or on the charging recess (80), which sensors are assigned to the respective one of the at least two charging connections (10, 20), whereby the closed position (12, 22) of the cover element (30) on the respective charging connection (10, 20) can be detected. [9] Charging connection device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover element (30) is coupled to at least one angle sensor (56) which detects an angular position of the cover element (30) about the pivot axis (32). [10] Charging connection device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover element (40) is coupled to at least one drive (60), in particular wherein a guide (46) of a drive axis of the cover element (30) is arranged on a side (82) of the charging recess (80) facing the vehicle interior.

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