Motor vehicle and charging equipment for a motor vehicle for electrically charging an energy storage device of the motor vehicle

Abstract

Charging device (10) for a motor vehicle for electrically charging an energy storage device of the motor vehicle, wherein the charging device (10) comprises: - a DC charging unit (20) for conductive coupling with a DC charging plug, wherein the DC charging unit (20) comprises a first connection pin (22a, 22b) and a second connection pin (22b, 22a), - a first housing part (26, 28) with a first housing wall (26a, 28a) that surrounds the first connection pin (22a, 22b) in a radial direction with respect to the first connection pin (22a, 22b) and has a first distance (d) to the first connection pin (22a, 22b) in this radial direction, thereby providing a first insertion opening (30a, 30b) between the first connection pin (22a, 22b) and the first housing part (26, 28) for inserting a first contact element of the DC charging plug; - a second housing part (28, 26) with a second housing wall (28a, 26a) that surrounds the second terminal pin (22b, 22a) in a radial direction with respect to the second terminal pin (22b, 22a) and has a second distance (d) to the second terminal pin (22b, 22a) in this radial direction, thereby providing a second insertion opening (30b, 30a) between the second terminal pin (22b, 22a) and the second housing part (28, 26) for inserting a second contact element of the DC charging plug;characterized in that the charging device (10) has a first dust protection device (32a, 32b) comprising a frame (34) and several flexible bristles (36), each having a first end (36a) and an opposing second end (36b), wherein the bristles (36) are attached circumferentially to the frame (34) with their respective first ends (36a) so that their respective second ends (36b) project inwards with respect to the frame (34) and point towards each other, wherein the first dust protection device (32a, 32b) is arranged on the first housing part (26, 28) such that the bristles (36) cover part of the first insertion opening (30a, 30b).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a charging device for a motor vehicle for electrically charging an energy storage device of the motor vehicle, wherein the charging device comprises a DC charging unit for conductive coupling with a DC charging plug, the DC charging unit comprising a first connection pin and a second connection pin. The charging device further comprises a first housing part with a first housing wall that surrounds the first connection pin in a radial direction relative to the first connection pin and has a first distance to the first connection pin in this radial direction, thereby providing a first insertion opening between the first connection pin and the first housing part for inserting a first contact element of the DC charging plug.Furthermore, the charging device also comprises a second housing part with a second housing wall that surrounds the second connection pin radially and has a second distance to the second connection pin in this radial direction, thereby providing a second insertion opening between the second connection pin and the second housing part for inserting a second contact element of the DC charging plug. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle with such a charging device.

[0002] Such a charging device can, for example, be a charging socket located on the vehicle, into which a corresponding charging plug can be inserted to charge the vehicle's energy storage system. Modern charging sockets can be designed in various ways. In addition to the connection pins for direct current (DC) charging, such a device may also have additional connection elements for alternating current (AC) charging. When not in use, such a charging device is typically located behind a charging flap, which protects it. The charging flap can be, for example, manually or automatically unlocked and opened or closed.If, for example, only the AC connections are used for AC charging during a charging process, the DC charging unit with its two connection pins is also exposed during such an AC charging process, since in this state the charging flap is open and the charging plug used for charging does not usually contact or cover the connection pins of the DC charging unit, which can also be referred to as DC pins.

[0003] To prevent dust or dirt from entering the DC charging unit's charging ports in such a situation, an additional cover or similar device could be provided. However, this presents the problem that this additional cover would either have to be opened manually by a user to access the DC charging unit, or it would have to be very expensive and complex to allow, for example, automatic opening. Especially with regard to the development of automatic charging and plugging systems for automatically connecting the charging plug to a vehicle's charging device, protective devices that must be manually operated to remove or open them prove to be particularly disadvantageous.

[0004] Therefore, a protective device for the DC charging contacts, namely the connection pins, would be particularly advantageous, as it neither needs to be manually operated nor is particularly expensive or complex.

[0005] DE 10 2019 125 784 A1 describes a charging socket for a power supply arrangement for supplying a motor vehicle with electrical energy via a conductive plug connection with at least one electrical mating contact for the conductive contacting of a charging station contact. The electrical mating contact is mounted so as to be displaceable in a radial direction with respect to a longitudinal center axis of the charging socket between a first mating contact position and a second mating contact position. The charging socket has an adjusting ring rotatably mounted about the longitudinal center axis, which has at least one adjusting ramp that, in a first angular position of the adjusting ring, allows the electrical mating contact to be displaced into the first mating contact position and, in a second angular position of the adjusting ring, forces the electrical mating contact into the second mating contact position.It may also be provided that the protective ring, as it moves between the first and second positions, passes over the electrical contact, thus cleaning the electrical contact. For this purpose, the protective ring may have a cleaning device facing the mechanical contact, such as a cleaning brush.

[0006] However, here too, the charging socket and especially the design of the adjusting ring are extremely complex.

[0007] DE 20 2014 100 883 U1 describes a cover for a device installation box that is recessed into a wall and in which an electrical device is arranged, wherein the cover fits onto the device installation box. The cover comprises a glass plate whose outer dimensions, when viewed from above, are larger than the outer dimensions of the device installation box, and a plastic plate whose dimensions, when viewed from above, are at most equal to the glass plate and onto which the glass plate is mounted, allowing the glass plate to be attached to the device installation box or the electrical device. Depending on the application, the cover may have different designs. The cover may have an opening through which connections behind it are accessible, such as a Schuko socket.To cover the connections when not in use, a brush seal may be provided, which is held by a ring at the edge of the opening between the glass plate and the plastic plate.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a charging device for a motor vehicle and a motor vehicle which, when the charging flap is open, provides an additional protection option for a DC charging unit in an unused compartment, wherein the protection option is designed to be as simple, space-efficient and cost-effective as possible and, in particular, does not need to be manually operated for the use of the DC charging unit.

[0009] This problem is solved by a charging device and a motor vehicle with the features according to the respective independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent patent claims, the description, and the figures.

[0010] A charging device according to the invention for a motor vehicle for electrically charging an energy storage device of the motor vehicle has a DC charging unit for conductive coupling with a DC charging plug, wherein the DC charging unit comprises a first connection pin and a second connection pin, and a first housing part with a first housing wall that surrounds the first connection pin in a radial direction with respect to the first connection pin, and has a first distance to the first connection pin in this radial direction, whereby a first insertion opening between the first connection pin and the first housing part is provided for inserting a first contact element of the DC charging plug.Furthermore, the charging device comprises a second housing part with a second housing wall that surrounds the second connection pin in a radial direction relative to the second connection pin, and has a second distance to the second connection pin in this radial direction, thereby providing a second insertion opening between the second connection pin and the second housing part for inserting a second contact element of the DC charging plug.The charging device has a first dust protection device comprising a frame and several flexible bristles, each having a first end and an opposing second end, wherein the bristles are attached circumferentially to the frame with their respective first ends, such that their respective second ends project inwards towards the frame and point towards each other, wherein the first dust protection device is arranged on the first housing part in such a way that the bristles cover part of the first insertion opening.

[0011] The first dust protection device can therefore be a type of eyelash or bristle ring with flexible bristles projecting inwards, particularly towards a central axis of the first insertion opening, along which the first connection pin is arranged. Due to the flexible design of the bristles, it is advantageously possible for them to be automatically pushed aside during the insertion process when the first contact element is inserted into the first insertion opening, effectively pressing them against the first housing wall. Thus, the bristles advantageously provide dust protection when the DC charging unit is not in use, and at the same time, they do not obstruct the insertion process for the first contact element into the first insertion opening. Therefore, the first dust protection device advantageously requires no manual operation or removal in order to use the DC charging unit.At the same time, no complex mechanics, adjustment mechanisms, or similar devices are required. The dust protection can therefore be provided simply by a ring of eyelashes or bristles, arranged at a suitable location, particularly on the first housing part, to advantageously provide dust protection.

[0012] The described dust protection device is therefore ideally suited for implementing automated plug-in processes for connecting a charging plug to the vehicle's charging unit, for example, using a robot. Furthermore, the described dust protection device can advantageously be used, or contribute to providing IP44 protection for the DC charging unit when not in use. For this purpose, the charging unit can also have a drain for liquids, such as splash water, in the area of ​​the DC charging unit, for example, within the first and / or second housing section. Thus, in combination with the dust protection device, dust and splash water protection according to IP44 can advantageously be provided, which does not impede the insertion of a DC charging plug into the DC charging unit and does not require manual operation.

[0013] It should be noted that if dust or dirt enters a corresponding insertion opening or, in particular, comes into contact with the connection pins, there is no safety risk. This can only reduce the efficiency of the charging process, as dirt or grime, especially on the connection pins, increases the contact resistance, leading to increased power loss, which reduces charging efficiency, and also causes the connection pins themselves to heat up more. The charging device preferably also includes a temperature sensor that can detect a temperature above a threshold and, if necessary, interrupt the charging process. This, too, reduces charging efficiency. The dust protection device advantageously prevents dust or dirt from entering the area of ​​the insertion openings.This can increase charging efficiency or prevent a decrease in charging efficiency.

[0014] The charging device for the motor vehicle can be designed, in particular, as a charging socket. In addition to the DC charging unit, the charging device can also include, for example, an AC charging unit, especially with corresponding AC connections or contact pins, as will be explained in more detail later. The first housing part, in which the first connection pin is recessed, and the second housing part, in which the second connection pin is recessed, do not necessarily have to be separate housing parts; they can also be two parts of a common, one-piece housing. In other words, the first and second housing parts can be formed as a single piece. The charging device can also include further housing parts, which can likewise be formed as a single piece and integrally with the first and / or second housing part.The housing components can, for example, be made of an electrically non-conductive material, such as a plastic.

[0015] The first and second connection pins are preferably made partially or entirely of a metallic material. Optionally, the end faces of these connection pins can be fitted with an electrically insulating protective cap or similar. The corresponding contact elements of the DC charging plug can, for example, be contact sleeves into which the respective connection pins can be inserted. The sleeves can be inserted into the respective insertion openings provided by the gap between the housing part and the connection pin. These sleeves can, for example, also be made of an electrically conductive material, particularly a metallic material, or at least comprise contact surfaces made of such an electrically conductive material, which, when inserted, contact the corresponding electrically conductive contact surfaces of the respective connection pins.

[0016] Furthermore, the two connection pins are preferably aligned parallel to each other. Additionally, the connection pins can be arranged in their respective housing parts such that they are slightly recessed relative to the end faces of the respective housing parts, which preferably lie in a common plane. The first connection pin can, for example, be assigned to a first potential connection and the second connection pin to a second potential connection. The two potentials refer to the potentials of an energy storage device of the vehicle, which can be, for example, a high-voltage battery, and which is to be charged by means of the charging device.

[0017] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the charging device has a second dust protection device, which is designed like the first dust protection device and is arranged on the second housing part such that the bristles of the second dust protection device cover part of the second insertion opening. In other words, the second insertion opening can also be dust-protected by means of such a second dust protection device, which can be designed in the same way as already described for the first dust protection device. Furthermore, the following descriptions relating to the first dust protection device can also apply analogously to the second dust protection device with regard to the second connection pin, the second housing part, and the second insertion opening. These embodiments will therefore not be explained again separately for the second dust protection device.

[0018] It is therefore advantageous if the second dust protection device also comprises a frame, i.e., a closed surround of a through-opening, and several flexible bristles, each having a first end and an opposite second end, wherein the bristles of the second dust protection device are arranged with their respective first ends circumferentially around or on the frame of the second dust protection device and are attached to the frame, such that their respective second ends project inwards and point towards each other, wherein the second dust protection device is arranged on the second housing part in such a way that the bristles of the second dust protection device cover a portion of the second insertion opening.

[0019] Furthermore, the first and second insertion openings can each be only partially or almost completely covered by the corresponding bristles. This can be easily achieved, for example, by attaching a sufficient number of bristles close enough to the frame.

[0020] Furthermore, it is preferred that the bristle density is at least approximately constant in the direction of rotation. If, for example, all bristles are of the same length, this results in an increasingly higher bristle density with decreasing distance from a central axis. It would also be conceivable for the bristles to be of different lengths. In addition to long bristles arranged around the frame and projecting inwards, a second, shorter bristle can also be arranged around the frame and, for example, at least partially offset from the long bristles in the direction of rotation and projecting inwards. This allows the bristle density to be increased, particularly in the edge region of the frame, and any gaps to be closed without excessive overlap of the bristles in the center of the frame.

[0021] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first housing wall has a cylindrical geometry, with the first connection pin arranged along a central axis of the cylindrical first housing wall. The same applies to the second housing wall and the second connection pin. For example, the first housing part may contain a cylindrical recess in which the first connection pin is centrally located. The distance between the first housing wall and the first connection pin can therefore be constant, or at least substantially constant. As explained in more detail later, it is, for example, very advantageous to provide a groove in the first housing wall into which the eyelash ring can be inserted. Apart from such a groove, the first housing wall can thus have a constant distance to the central connection pin.

[0022] This also simplifies the design of the first dust protection device and, in particular, its frame. In principle, this recess in the first housing part, in which the first connection pin is located, could have any geometry, for example, it could be cuboid. However, a cylindrical shape has become the standard. Therefore, the frame of the dust protection device, which is preferably located on the housing wall and thus in such a recess, could also have any geometry adapted to the insertion opening, and could, for example, be rectangular.

[0023] Especially with the cylindrical housing wall described above, it is correspondingly preferred that the frame of the first dust protection device is also annular and, in particular, arranged on the first housing wall, especially at a distance of a third from an end face of the first housing part. It would also be conceivable, in principle, that the frame is not arranged on the first housing wall and, accordingly, not within the insertion opening, but instead is arranged on the end face of the first housing part when viewed from the insertion direction, and thus, in the axial direction or when viewed from the insertion direction, is positioned in front of the end face of the first connecting pin. In this case, it would be preferred that the bristles project radially inwards in such a way that their respective second ends touch or the bristles overlap.This ensures that no gaps remain, even in the central area, i.e., in the middle of the frame. The bristles can also be partially offset from each other and thus overlap slightly.

[0024] The design of the first dust protection device is significantly simpler, however, if it is not located on the end face of the first housing part, but rather within the insertion opening, i.e., attached to the first housing wall. The outer geometry of the frame can thus correspond to the inner geometry of the housing wall. Therefore, if the housing wall is cylindrical, a correspondingly ring-shaped design for the dust protection device frame is very advantageous. Furthermore, the frame can be rigid or, preferably, somewhat flexible or even elastic, for example, as an O-ring or similar to one. This facilitates the installation of the frame in the housing wall. In addition, the frame can, for example, be glued to the inside of the first housing wall or simply inserted. In the latter case, the frame is particularly easy to remove from the insertion opening and from the housing wall.This simplifies the maintenance of the dust protection device. In particular, it allows for easy replacement with a new dust protection device should it be defective or worn out.

[0025] In a further particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, a circumferential groove is arranged in the first housing wall, in which the frame of the first dust protection device is at least partially arranged. This groove can therefore also be annular in shape. The plane in which this groove runs is preferably oriented perpendicular to the first connecting pin or to its longitudinal direction, which corresponds to the insertion direction. This groove allows for particularly simple attachment of the frame to the first housing wall. A further significant advantage of such a circumferential groove is that the frame itself does not protrude into the insertion opening, or only minimally and at least not significantly, thus not hindering or impairing the insertion process.The frame can, for example, be flush with the rest of the housing wall, with only the bristles protruding radially inwards towards the first connection pin. Alternatively, the frame can protrude slightly beyond the first housing wall. However, this protrusion can be made particularly small thanks to the groove.

[0026] In a further highly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the frame of the first dust protection device is positioned on the first housing wall such that the frame and / or the second ends of the bristles lie in the same plane axially with respect to the first connection pin as a front end of the first connection pin or are set back a quarter of the distance from the front end of the first connection pin. Thus, when viewed from the insertion direction, the first connection pin is preferably not obscured by the bristles of the first dust protection device. The front end of the first connection pin is therefore still visible.This offers several major advantages: Firstly, it simplifies the arrangement and design of the bristles and their distribution around the frame, as described above, since they do not necessarily need to overlap or touch in the central area. This is because the central gap between the second ends of the bristles is closed by the connection pin itself. A further significant advantage is that this design is highly beneficial when a robot is to insert a charging plug, such as a DC charging plug. In particular, it can be implemented that such a charging robot uses a camera to insert the charging plug into the charging device.In other words, the charging robot uses the camera images to identify the charging device, as well as the corresponding pins and connectors to which the charging plug is to be connected. For example, the end faces of the first and second connection pins can serve as recognition features for the robot. The robot can orient itself using these end faces. Obscuring these connection pins necessitates a change and modification of the recognition software to identify the charging device based on significant features extracted from the captured camera images. If the dust protection device is designed so that the end faces of the connection pins are not obscured, existing recognition algorithms can still be used, ensuring reliable detection of the charging device.

[0027] In principle, the frame or the second end of the bristles can be set back any desired distance axially from the end face of the first connection pin. However, the further back the bristles are set, the less effective the dust protection becomes. Therefore, it is preferred that the fourth distance, by which the frame or the second ends of the bristles are set back, be a maximum of 1 mm or a maximum of 0.5 mm. Thus, the frame or the second end of the bristles can only be set back slightly axially from the end face of the first connection pin. This still ensures very effective dust protection.

[0028] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the bristles project with their second ends towards the first connecting pin and, in particular, touch the first connecting pin. This allows the first insertion opening to be covered particularly efficiently by the bristles.

[0029] In general, the bristles are preferably relatively thin in diameter, for example, in the range of 1 mm or 1.5 mm. However, the bristles can also be thinner. The bristles are preferably made of a plastic. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is particularly preferred. However, other plastics are also suitable. Preferably, a plastic with a melting point above 100 degrees Celsius is used. This ensures that the bristles are sufficiently heat-resistant to withstand the typical temperatures in the area of ​​the connection pins, especially during charging. The temperatures in the area of ​​the connection pins can reach up to 70 degrees Celsius, while the temperatures further away from these pins, for example in the area of ​​the housing walls, are significantly lower.

[0030] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the bristles project inwards from the frame of the first dust protection device such that the bristles and the frame of the first dust protection device lie in one plane, or the bristles are inclined at an angle relative to the frame plane defined by the frame in the insertion direction, in which the first contact element can be inserted into the first insertion opening. Forming the bristles in one plane with the frame allows for a particularly simple design. Furthermore, this allows the bristles to be made particularly short. The inclination at an angle relative to the frame plane, especially in the insertion direction, has the advantage that the bristle inclination already provides a preferred direction with respect to the pushing away and bending of the bristles by the insertion of the first contact element.The angle of inclination is dimensioned such that, so to speak, the angle between each bristle and the central connection pin is the same, preferably deviating only slightly from a right angle. The bristles are then all inclined towards the central connection pin. If, on the other hand, the bristles lie in the same plane as the frame, then essentially a right angle results between each bristle and the central connection pin.

[0031] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the charging device has AC connections for AC charging, in particular, wherein the charging device is designed as a CCS (Combined Charging System) charging socket. In particular, the charging device can be designed as a CCS2 charging socket, or as a so-called Combo 2 charging socket, or as a CCS1 charging socket, i.e., as a Combo 1 charging socket.

[0032] In any case, it is advantageous if the charging device also has AC connections for AC charging, separate from the described DC connections, namely the two DC connection pins. This is because, in this scenario, the AC connections may be occupied by the corresponding charging plug, while the DC connection pins are not covered by the plugged-in connector. In such cases, the provided dust protection is particularly beneficial, as it still provides dust protection for the DC connection pins when the charging device is used to charge the energy storage device, thus preventing the protective cap or charging flap covering the device when not in use from being closed.

[0033] In principle, the dust protection device also offers protection even if no additional AC charging unit is part of the charging system. In this case, the dust protection device can still be used to protect the DC pins or the insertion openings in the time between opening the charging flap and inserting the DC charging plug.

[0034] Furthermore, the invention also relates to a motor vehicle with a charging device according to the invention or one of its embodiments. The advantages described for the charging device according to the invention and its embodiments apply equally to the motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0035] The vehicle may, for example, also have the described charging flap, which can close the charging device from the outside and which can be opened, for example manually and / or automatically, and which can also be locked when closed. Furthermore, the vehicle may include the energy storage device, which can be electrically charged via the charging device.

[0036] The motor vehicle according to the invention is preferably designed as a motor vehicle, in particular as a passenger car or truck, or as a passenger bus or motorcycle.

[0037] The invention also includes combinations of the features of the described embodiments. The invention therefore also includes realizations that each exhibit a combination of the features of several of the described embodiments, provided that the embodiments have not been described as mutually exclusive.

[0038] The following are exemplary embodiments of the invention described. This is illustrated by: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a charging device for a motor vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a dust protection device for a charging device according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0039] The exemplary embodiments described below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In these exemplary embodiments, the described components each represent individual features of the invention, which can be considered independently of one another and each further develops the invention independently. Therefore, the disclosure is intended to include combinations of features of the embodiments other than those shown. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by further features of the invention already described.

[0040] In the figures, identical reference symbols denote functionally equivalent elements.

[0041] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a charging device 10 according to an embodiment of the invention. In this example, the charging device 10 is designed as a CCS2 charging socket 10. The charging device 10 comprises four AC connections 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, including one connection 12a for a neutral conductor and three connections 12b, 12c, 12d as phase connections. This enables charging with three-phase AC current. The charging socket 10 also includes a connection 14 to a protective conductor, also known as PE (Protective Earth), as well as a connection 16, commonly referred to as CP (Control Pilot), for communication between the charging station and the vehicle, and another connection 18, also referred to as PP (Proximity Pilot), for limiting the charging current by means of resistance coding. Furthermore, the charging device 10 includes a DC charging unit 20 for DC charging, i.e.,The electric charging of the vehicle's energy storage system with direct current. The direct current charging unit 20 comprises two connections, namely a first connection pin 22a and a second connection pin 22b.

[0042] Furthermore, the charging device 10 comprises a housing 24, which can generally be divided into several housing parts, but in this example are formed as a single piece. One part or area of ​​this housing 24 is assigned to the DC charging unit 20 and is designated 24a in this example. This DC charging unit housing 24a can in turn be subdivided into two housing parts 26, 28, with the first housing part 26 being assigned to the first connection pin 22a, and the second housing part 28 to the second connection pin 22b. Each of these two housing parts 26, 28 has a cylindrical housing wall 26a, 28a, in the center of which the respective connection pin 22a, 22b is located, and which extends along the imaginary cylinder axis of the assigned housing wall 26a, 26b.The housing wall 26a, 28a thus encloses the associated connection pin 22a, 22b in a radial direction and maintains a specific distance d from it, which is essentially constant. Furthermore, each housing part 26, 28 comprises an end face 26b, 28b. The end faces 22a', 22b' of the respective pins 22a, 22a can be slightly recessed relative to the respective end faces 26b, 28b of the housing parts 26, 28, particularly with respect to an axial direction defined by the longitudinal direction along which the connection pins 22a, 22b extend.

[0043] The distance d between the respective housing wall 26a, 28a from the corresponding pins 22a, 22b provides a respective insertion area or insertion opening 30a, 30b between the pin 22a, 22b and the associated housing wall 26a, 28a, in which a corresponding contact element of a DC charging plug can be inserted, which is in particular designed in a sleeve-like form.

[0044] Such a charging socket 10, when installed as intended on an electric vehicle, is generally protected against water and dust by a charging flap as long as no plug is inserted and no charging process is active. If, for example, an AC charging process is to be carried out and a corresponding AC charging plug is inserted into the charging unit 10, the corresponding AC connections 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d as well as the other three connections 14, 16, 18 in the upper area of ​​the charging socket 10 are occupied, while the DC charging unit 20 is not covered by this charging plug. In order to achieve, for example, an IP44 protection rating for the DC charging unit 20 in such a situation, at least one drain is provided in the housing 24 through which any ingress of water, such as splashing water, rainwater, or similar, can drain away.Furthermore, this charging device 10 now advantageously has an associated dust protection device 32a, 32b for each connection pin 22a, 22b, which in this example is designed as an eyelash ring 32a, 32b.

[0045] Such a dust protection device 32a, 32b is shown schematically in a top view in Fig. 2 shown. Such a dust protection unit 32a, 32b, designed as an eyelash ring 32a, 32b, comprises a frame 34, in particular an annular frame 34, and a plurality of bristles 36 or eyelashes 36, each having a first end 36a and an opposing second end 36b, wherein these ends 36a, 36b are Fig. 2. For clarity, only one eyelash or bristle 36 is shown with a reference symbol. Similarly, only two bristles 36 are shown with a reference symbol for clarity. The bristles 36 are attached to the frame 34 with their respective first ends 36a and are arranged as evenly as possible around the frame, so that their respective second ends 36b project radially inwards and face each other, in particular towards an imaginary center Z, which can represent the center point of the annular frame 34 or an axis through the center point that is perpendicular to the frame plane defined by the frame 34 and parallel to the xy-plane of the coordinate system shown. If this eyelash ring 32a, 32b is arranged on the loading device 10 as intended, as shown in Fig. As shown in 1, the one in Fig. 2 the z-direction shown is directed opposite to the intended plug-in direction, into which a corresponding contact element of a DC charging plug is inserted into the DC charging unit 20.

[0046] Furthermore, the bristles 36 can be oriented such that they also lie in the plane of the frame 34 or are inclined at an angle to this plane. In this case, the bristles 36 are inclined such that their second ends 36b are further away from the end faces 26b, 28b of the housing parts 26, 28 than their first ends 36a.

[0047] In principle, it is also possible to attach the frame 34 to the end face of the housing parts 26, 28 in order to at least partially cover the respective insertion openings 30a, 30b with the bristles 36. However, it is preferred that these dust protection devices 32a, 32b are arranged within the respective insertion openings 30a, 30b, as shown in Fig. Figure 1 shows the frame 34 being arranged on the respective housing wall 26a, 28a. It is particularly advantageous if the respective housing wall 26a, 28a is provided with an annular groove into which the frame 34 can be recessed, at least partially, in a radial direction relative to the respective pin 22a, 22b. As a result, essentially only the bristles 36 project radially into the respective insertion opening 30a, 30b. Furthermore, the bristles are flexible and can bend backwards when a DC charging plug is inserted into the respective insertion openings 30a, 30b, i.e., in the opposite direction to the z-direction shown. Fig. 2, and can be pressed against the respective housing wall 26a, 28a. The eyelash ring 32a, 32b is thus attached in the housing 24 of the charging socket 10 in such a way that it does not impede the insertion of the charging plug and the charging plug presses the eyelashes, i.e. the bristles 36, against the respective housing wall 26a, 28a. If, in addition, the eyelash ring 32a, 32b is recessed so far in the respective insertion opening 30a, 30b that at least the second ends 36b of the bristles 36 are located somewhat further back than the end faces 22a', 22b' of the pins 22a, 22b, then the bristles 36 can be pressed as in Fig.The bristles 36 can be designed as shown in Figure 2 and do not necessarily have to extend to the center Z. In other words, the bristles 36 can be dimensioned and arranged such that a small hole 38 remains in the center of the eyelash ring 32a, 32b, which, in the intended configuration, is filled or closed by the corresponding pin 22a, 22b. It is also preferred that the respective pin 22a, 22b protrudes only slightly from the eyelash ring 32a, 32b in the z-direction. This maximizes the protective effect. The respective insertion opening 30a, 30b is advantageously protected from the ingress of dust or contaminants by this eyelash ring 32a, 32b. The eyelash ring 32a, 32b can also be attached to the charging socket 10 by means of an adhesive or similar material, or simply inserted, for example, into the aforementioned groove 40a, 40b. This has the advantage that the eyelash ring 32a, 32b can be easily replaced.

[0048] Preferably, a groove 40a, 40b is provided in the housing 24 of the charging socket 10 in the front area of ​​the DC pin frame, i.e., the respective housing walls 26a, 28a, into which the eyelash ring 32a, 32b is embedded and fixed. The eyelash ring 32a, 32b itself is preferably made of elastic material so that the inserted charging plug can push the eyelashes 36 away. The ring material, i.e., the material of the frame 34, is preferably made of an elastic material, e.g., a plastic, so that the ring 32a, 32b can be easily removed from the groove 40a, 40b and replaced in case of damage. The ring 32a, 32b, in particular the ring-shaped frame 34, can also be fixed in the groove 40a, 40b, for example, with a suitable adhesive.

[0049] Overall, the examples demonstrate how the invention can provide a dust shield as a dust cover in the charging port of electric vehicles. This enables adequate dust protection for the DC pins, eliminating the need for a manually operated cover, for example. Water can be drained away via a drainage system. The dust shield is thus achieved by a dust shield that prevents the ingress of dirt particles. This also enables cost-effective, automated DC charging via the CCS charging port without manual intervention.

Claims

[1] Charging device (10) for a motor vehicle for electrically charging an energy storage device of the motor vehicle, wherein the charging device (10) comprises: - a DC charging unit (20) for conductive coupling with a DC charging plug, wherein the DC charging unit (20) comprises a first connection pin (22a, 22b) and a second connection pin (22b, 22a), - a first housing part (26, 28) with a first housing wall (26a, 28a) that surrounds the first connection pin (22a, 22b) in a radial direction with respect to the first connection pin (22a, 22b) and has a first distance (d) to the first connection pin (22a, 22b) in this radial direction, thereby providing a first insertion opening (30a, 30b) between the first connection pin (22a, 22b) and the first housing part (26, 28) for inserting a first contact element of the DC charging plug; - a second housing part (28, 26) with a second housing wall (28a, 26a) that surrounds the second terminal pin (22b, 22a) in a radial direction with respect to the second terminal pin (22b, 22a) and has a second distance (d) to the second terminal pin (22b, 22a) in this radial direction, thereby providing a second insertion opening (30b, 30a) between the second terminal pin (22b, 22a) and the second housing part (28, 26) for inserting a second contact element of the DC charging plug; characterized by, that the charging device (10) has a first dust protection device (32a, 32b) comprising a frame (34) and several flexible bristles (36), each having a first end (36a) and an opposite second end (36b), wherein the bristles (36) are attached circumferentially to the frame (34) with their respective first ends (36a) so that their respective second ends (36b) project inwards with respect to the frame (34) and point towards each other, wherein the first dust protection device (32a, 32b) is arranged on the first housing part (26, 28) such that the bristles (36) cover part of the first insertion opening (30a, 30b). [2] Charging device (10) according to claim 1, characterized by, that the charging device (10) has a second dust protection device (32b, 32a) which is designed like the first dust protection device (32a, 32b) and which is arranged on the second housing part (28, 26) in such a way that the bristles (36) of the second dust protection device (32a, 32b) cover part of the second insertion opening (30b, 30a). [3] Charging device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the first housing wall (26a, 28a) has a cylindrical geometry, wherein the first connection pin (22a, 22b) is arranged along a central axis of the cylindrical first housing wall (26a, 28a). [4] Charging device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the frame (34) of the first dust protection device (32a, 32b) is annular in shape and is arranged in particular on the first housing wall (26a, 28a), in particular with a third distance to an end face (26b, 28b) of the first housing part (26, 28). [5] Charging device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that in the first housing wall (26a, 28a) a circumferential groove (40a, 40b) is arranged in which the frame (34) of the first dust protection device (32a, 32b) is at least partially arranged. [6] Charging device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the frame (34) of the first dust protection device (32a, 32b) is positioned on the first housing wall (26a, 28a) such that the frame (34) and / or the second ends (36b) of the bristles (36) lie in the same plane in the axial direction with respect to the first connection pin (22a, 22b) as a front end (22a', 22b') of the first connection pin (22a, 22b) or are set back from the front end (22a', 22b') of the first connection pin (22a, 22b) by a fourth distance, in particular by a maximum of 1 mm or a maximum of 0.5 mm. [7] Charging device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the bristles (36) extend with their second ends (36b) towards the first connecting pin (22a, 22b), and in particular touch the first connecting pin (22a, 22b). [8] Charging device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the bristles (36) protrude from the frame (34) of the first dust protection device (32a, 32b) in such a way that the bristles (36) and the frame (34) of the first dust protection device (32a, 32b) lie in one plane or the bristles (36) are inclined at an angle to the frame plane (xy) defined by the frame (34) in the insertion direction in which the first contact element can be inserted into the first insertion opening (30a, 30b). [9] Charging device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the charging device (10) has AC connections (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) for AC charging, in particular wherein the charging device (10) is designed as a CCS (Combined Charging System) charging socket (10). [10] Motor vehicle with a charging device (10) according to one of the preceding claims.

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