Charging socket, charging plug, plug connection and method for charging an electrically powered motor vehicle

Abstract

Charging socket (16) for an electrically driven motor vehicle, into which a charging plug (12) can be plugged to form a plug connection (10) for charging an energy storage device of the motor vehicle, wherein a stop element (18) for the charging plug (12) is arranged on the charging socket (16), which stop element can be moved between a stowed position and a stop position, characterized in that in the stop position, the charging plug (12) can be held in a position vertical to a contact surface of the plug connection (10) by means of the stop element (18) and can be guided into the charging socket (16) along the stop surface of the stop element (18).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a charging socket, a charging plug, and a plug connection of an electrically powered motor vehicle according to the preamble of patent claims 1, 8, and 9. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for charging an electrically powered motor vehicle according to the preamble of patent claim 10.

[0002] Conductive and inductive charging are two methods used for wireless energy transfer. In the context of highly automated charging robots, which operate similarly to industrial robots, both conductive and inductive charging systems could be used in the underfloor or underbody area of ​​an at least partially autonomous vehicle.

[0003] With conductive underbody charging, the charging robots plug a charging plug directly into a socket embedded in the underbody to enable energy transfer. This method is particularly efficient because the power is transferred directly, but it requires precise alignment of the charging plug.

[0004] DE 10 2016 222 853 B4 discloses a coupling device for establishing and separating a power-transmitting plug connection, comprising a plug that can be displaced along a plugging direction for insertion into a corresponding plug receptacle, and comprising a drive device that is operatively connected to the plug for displacing the plug. When the coupling device is decoupled, the plug can be arranged tilted relative to the plugging direction in a rest position. Furthermore, the coupling device comprises a deflection device configured to deflect the plug from its rest position into a plugged position aligned in the plugging direction. The deflection device comprises a deflection ramp along which the plug runs during its displacement from the rest position into the plugged position, wherein the plug can be deflected from its rest position in the plugging direction.The coupling device also has a guide device which is designed to guide the plug during its displacement in the plugging direction.

[0005] DE 10 2014 226 755 A1 and PL 237 164 B1 also disclose respective plug connections which have a respective guide element by means of which a plug can be easily inserted into a corresponding socket.

[0006] It is an object of the invention to provide a charging socket, a charging plug, a plug connection and a method of the type mentioned at the outset, by means of which contacting of a charging interface for the electrically driven motor vehicle can be carried out particularly quickly and efficiently.

[0007] This object is achieved according to the invention by a charging socket, a charging plug, and a plug connection having the features of patent claims 1, 8, and 9. Furthermore, this object is achieved by a method having the features of patent claim 10. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent patent claims and the description.

[0008] A first aspect of the invention relates to a charging socket for an electrically powered motor vehicle, into which a charging plug can be inserted to form a plug connection for charging an energy storage device of the motor vehicle. Thus, the plug connection makes it possible to charge the energy storage device, whereby the charging socket can be arranged either on a side area or in an underbody area of ​​the motor vehicle.

[0009] Furthermore, the plugging process into the socket can be performed either manually by an operator or automatically by a robot. In particular, a robot arm is intended to perform the connection by guiding the charging plug into the charging socket and plugging it in. A robot arm for charging a car is already known, but there are various types of robot arms that can be used to charge motor vehicles. In general, such a robot arm would connect a power cable with the charging plug to the charging socket and automatically charge the energy storage device. With a charging socket in the underbody area, the robot arm is designed to be automatically activated when the car is parked, for example, on a special loading area, thus making the charging process completely automatic.Another possibility is for the robot arm to guide the charging plug from the charging station to the vehicle's charging socket and plug it in. In both cases, the robot arm can, for example, monitor the charging process and remove the charging plug when charging is complete.

[0010] In order to achieve the objects of the invention, the invention provides that a stop element for the charging plug is arranged on the charging socket, which stop element can be moved between a stowed position and a stop position. This means that an element is attached to the charging socket, namely the stop element, which can at least partially securely guide the charging plug when it is plugged into the charging socket. The stop element can thus be moved between two positions, namely the stowed position and the stop position. In the stop position, the charging plug can be held in a position vertical to a contact surface of the plug connection by means of the stop element and can be guided into the charging socket along the stop surface of the stop element.

[0011] In the stowed position, the stop element is in a position where it is, for example, stowed within the housing of the charging socket, preventing the charging plug from being guided. This means that there is no stop on the stop element to facilitate subsequent insertion into the charging socket.

[0012] In the stop position, the stop element is in a further position in which it provides the charging plug with a stop surface onto which the charging plug can be placed by a robot arm of a charging robot. By placing the charging plug on the stop element or by stopping a movement of the charging plug in the direction of the charging socket, a positioning aid is intended to be provided for the robot arm. The knock-off element can detect a positioning through which only a linear movement towards the charging socket can be detected. In this case, the provision is made that when the charging plug is plugged into the charging socket, it is essentially correctly aligned and can be inserted into the socket without any force. One possibility of achieving this is through a linear movement along the stop element according to the invention.

[0013] The stop element has a bowl-shaped geometry, which is particularly suitable for supporting a portion of a cylindrical geometry, namely a portion of a charging plug housing. The bowl-shaped geometry encloses the cylindrical geometry in certain areas and thus offers additional stability, whereby corresponding geometries of the stop element to the enclosing portion of the charging plug housing are also possible. One possible bowl-shaped geometry is a hemispherical depression or recess embedded in a larger support surface. The cylindrical geometry can then simply be placed in the depression and rests securely on the concave surface of the stop element, which can be designed, for example, as a storage tray.The possibility provided by the concavely shaped, bowl-shaped stop element offers the advantage of holding the at least partially cylindrical charging plug in a position vertical to a contact surface of the plug connection. In both cases, the bowl-shaped geometry provides a secure and stable base for the charging plug while it is being laid down. It is also an effective way to save space, as the bowl-shaped geometry can store the half-cylinder in a compact and tidy manner. When the charging plug is inserted into the charging socket, it is thus guided along the stop surface of the stop element to ensure that it is correctly aligned and no lateral force is exerted on the charging plug.

[0014] Additionally, tolerances can be accommodated by designing the stop element to allow some movement of the charging plug in different directions to compensate for variations in the charging plug's positioning. For example, the stop element can incorporate some flexibility or play to ensure the charging plug is still correctly aligned even if it is not perfectly positioned. Linear movement along the stop element, provided by the stop element in the stop position, thus offers an effective way to enable easy and user-friendly insertion of the charging plug into the charging socket, while still accounting for tolerances to ensure a reliable connection.

[0015] The ability to move the stop element between these two positions offers additional flexibility and ease of use when using the charging socket. It facilitates the robot arm's insertion and removal of the charging plug while ensuring a secure connection during the charging process. Specifically, the robot arm is provided with additional support to make the connection faster and more efficient, for example, to ensure gentle application of the plug connection and to enable a faster electrical connection for faster charging.

[0016] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the stop element for the charging plug can be folded out into the stop position about an axis relative to the charging socket. In other words, the stop element for the charging plug arranged on the charging socket is folded out at least partially about its own axis relative to the charging socket in the direction of the charging plug to be inserted into the stop position. The stop element has a stop surface on which a corresponding partial region of the charging plug can be placed. In particular, the stop surface is concave towards the charging plug. In particular, an at least partially cylindrical design of the charging plug can be placed on the corresponding semi-cylindrical stop surface of the stop element.In particular, the stop element can be folded out into the stop position by a predetermined angle, in particular the stop element can be folded forward essentially by a right angle relative to a contact surface of the charging socket. For example, the charging socket has a catch element below the stop element, by means of which further rotation beyond the predetermined angle is blocked and / or dampened. In addition, folding out the stop element for the charging plug about an axis is advantageous in that the charging plug is safely guided into the charging socket, which also prevents it from moving sideways or becoming damaged. One possible arrangement consists of the stop element, which is attached to a hinge or joint and can be folded out about an axis. When the charging plug is inserted into the charging socket, the stop element folds out and guides the charging plug safely into the charging socket.As soon as the charging plug is fully inserted, the stop element folds back into its original position, namely the stowed position. Alternatively, the adjustment to the stowed position can be performed only after the charging process. Another advantage of the foldable stop element is that it can be folded in when not in use to save space. Overall, folding the stop element out around an axis can be a simple and effective way to facilitate the insertion process of a charging plug for the robot arm by providing positioning assistance and, for example, simultaneously extending the service life of the charging plug.

[0017] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the stop element for the charging plug can be extended essentially linearly into the stop position. For an improved plugging process, the stop element of the charging socket for the charging plug can be extended essentially linearly relative to the charging socket in the direction of the charging plug to be inserted. The linear extension of the stop element in order to plug the charging plug into the charging socket can help to guide the charging plug securely into the charging socket and also prevent it from moving sideways or becoming damaged, as is the case with the fold-out stop element. One possible arrangement for this embodiment consists of the stop element being arranged in a guide rail or groove on the charging socket.When the charging plug is to be inserted into the charging socket, the stop element extends linearly along the guide rail or groove and is positioned accordingly to guide the charging plug safely into the charging socket. Once the plug is fully inserted, the guide element returns to its original position, namely the stowed position. Alternatively, the adjustment to the stowed position can only be carried out after charging. Another advantage of a linearly extendable stop element is that it can be retracted when not in use to save space. Overall, the linear extension of the stop element can be a simple and effective way to facilitate the insertion of a charging plug and at the same time extend the life of the plug.For example, a continuous extension mechanism can also be provided here, which extends the stop element into the stop position, thereby enabling the charging plug to be placed on the stop surface. The stop element has the previously described stop surface, on which the corresponding portion of the charging plug can be placed. In particular, the stop surface is designed to be concave toward the charging plug. In particular, an at least partially cylindrical configuration of the charging plug can be placed on the corresponding semi-cylindrical stop surface of the stop element.

[0018] A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that an adjusting device for folding out and / or extending the stop element is arranged on the charging socket. An adjusting device, in particular an electrically driven one, for extending or unfolding the stop element on the charging socket can contribute to facilitating the insertion process of the charging plug and extending the service life of the plug. One possible arrangement consists of an electric motor or an actuator that controls the extension or unfolding of the stop element on the charging socket. For example, the motor can actuate a thrust piston or a threaded spindle that can extend the stop element; alternatively, the actuator can fold out the stop element by a predetermined angle around an axis.The adjustment device, in particular an electrical one, can be controlled, for example, via a switch or a remote control, which enables the user or charging robot to extend or unfold the stop element as needed in order to receive positioning assistance. It can also be equipped with a sensor that automatically activates the extension or unfolding when the charging plug is inserted into the charging socket. In other words, the adjustment device thus has, for example, a motor or actuator, by means of which the folding forward and / or extension of the stop element can be carried out, in particular continuously. In particular, the adjustment device can be controlled by means of an electrical signal, for example by means of an operating element, whereby a user has the option of switching on the assistance provided by the stop element in order to reach the plug connection more quickly using the charging robot.Overall, an electrical adjustment device can be a simple and effective way to facilitate the insertion process of a charging plug by providing a positioning aid via the stop element that can be controlled with the adjustment device.

[0019] A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the adjustment device can be controlled at least partially automatically by means of an electronic computing device. In particular, the adjustment device can be electronically controlled by means of a signal provided, generated, and transmitted by the electronic computing device, thereby providing, in particular, for at least partially automatic application of the stop element. Thus, depending on presettings, the electronic computing device can fold or extend the stop element as soon as use of the plug connection is intended and / or detected.The electronically driven or controlled adjustment device is thus designed by means of the electronic computing device to extend or unfold the stop element on the charging socket and can offer an even more advanced way of simplifying and, in particular, automating the process of inserting the charging plug into the charging socket. This type of adjustment device consists, for example, of an electronic motor or actuator controlled by the electronic computing device. The electronic computing device can, for example, have sensors or a corresponding sensor device designed to detect when the charging plug is or should be inserted into the charging socket, whereby the stop element can be automatically extended or folded out depending on this.The electronic adjustment device can also be programmed to extend or fold out the stop element at different angles or distances, depending on the plug type used. For example, the stop element can be extended further for a larger charging plug than for a smaller charging plug. Overall, an electronically driven adjustment device using an electronic adjustment unit offers an advanced way to automate and optimize the insertion process of a charging plug, making connecting the vehicle to a charging station faster.

[0020] A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the adjustment device is designed to detect an incorrect position during the plugging process and transmit a corresponding signal to the electronic computing unit. Control by the electronic computing unit thus also enables the application of safety functions such as automatically shutting off the power supply if the charging plug is not properly inserted in an incorrect position or if a dangerous situation such as a short circuit occurs. Detecting the incorrect position and generating the signal to correct the incorrect position can thus help prevent errors when plugging in a charging plug and increase safety.It is also possible, using the adjustment device and the electronic computing device, to automatically attempt to correct the position of the charging plug by re-extending or folding out the deflection element to bring the charging plug into the correct position for proper connection. Detecting the incorrect position and generating the corrective signal are beneficial functions for the safety and efficiency of vehicle charging. They can help prevent damage to the charging plugs and the charging socket, reduce the risk of power outages or short circuits, and shorten charging time by verifying that the charging plug is inserted in the intended position.

[0021] A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the stop element is made of a material with a low coefficient of friction to enable particularly efficient sliding of the charging plug along the stop surface of the stop element. Thermoplastics, for example, are suitable for this purpose, as they are cost-effective to produce and exhibit a certain deformation tolerance. A stop element made of a material with a low coefficient of friction can facilitate and accelerate the insertion of the charging plug into the charging socket. Such a material should have a smooth and non-slip surface to enable smooth sliding of the charging plug and reduce the risk of damage or wear to the charging plug or the stop element.

[0022] A second aspect of the invention relates to a charging plug for charging an electrically powered motor vehicle, wherein, in order to charge an energy storage device of the motor vehicle, the charging plug can be plugged into a charging socket of the motor vehicle according to the first aspect, forming a plug connection. The charging plug comprises a housing with an outer peripheral housing region, the geometry of the housing region being configured to correspond to a stop element of the charging socket. A geometry on the charging plug that corresponds to the stop element can contribute to the charging plug sliding smoothly and safely along the stop surface of the stop element. A precisely fitting shape on the charging plug ensures optimal alignment of the charging plug, which in turn enables efficient and reliable power transmission during the charging process.In a stop position by means of the stop element, the charging plug can be held in a vertical position to a contact surface of the plug connection and can be guided into the charging socket along the stop surface of the stop element.

[0023] A third aspect of the invention relates to a plug connection for an electrically powered motor vehicle, comprising a charging socket according to the first aspect and a charging plug according to the second aspect, wherein the charging plug can be abutted against the adjustable stop element and inserted into the charging socket along the stop element. The plug connection serves to ensure safety during the charging process, whereby the charging process is to be carried out safely and efficiently. In a stop position by means of the stop element, the charging plug can be held in a position vertical to a contact surface of the plug connection and can be guided into the charging socket along the stop surface of the stop element.

[0024] A fourth aspect of the invention relates to a method for charging an electrically driven motor vehicle, in which a charging plug according to the second aspect is plugged into a charging socket according to the first aspect, wherein a stop element for a charging plug is provided on the charging socket, which stop element is displaced between a stowed position and a stop position. The aim is to provide the simplest and most efficient procedure possible for positioning the charging plug when plugging it into the charging socket. In a stop position by means of the stop element, the charging plug is held in a position vertical to a contact surface of the plug connection and is guided into the charging socket along the stop surface of the stop element.

[0025] Further features of the invention emerge from the claims, the figures, and the description of the figures. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown alone in the figures, can be used not only in the respective specified combination, but also in other combinations or on their own.

[0026] The invention will now be explained in more detail using a preferred embodiment and with reference to the drawings. They show: Fig. 1 a schematic plan view of an embodiment of a plug connection for charging an electrically driven motor vehicle with a charging socket according to the invention with a fold-out stop element; and Fig. 2 a further schematic plan view of a further embodiment of the plug connection with a charging socket according to the invention with an extendable stop element.

[0027] In the figures, identical and functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0028] Fig. 1 shows a plan view of an embodiment of a plug connection 10 for charging an electrically driven motor vehicle, in which a charging plug 12 can be inserted at least partially automatically into a charging socket 16 arranged in an underbody area 14 of the motor vehicle to create a charging interface between the motor vehicle and an energy source. In particular, a robot arm of a charging robot is intended to carry out the plug connection 10 by guiding the charging plug 12 to the charging socket 16. A further possibility is that the robot arm guides the charging plug 12 from the charging station to the charging socket 16 at a Fig. 1 (not shown) leads and connects the charging connector 12 to the side area 15 of the motor vehicle. In both cases, the robot arm can, for example, monitor the charging process and remove the charging connector 12 when the charging process is complete.

[0029] It is provided that a stop element 18 for the charging plug 12 is arranged on the charging socket 16, which stop element 18 is arranged between a Fig. 1 not shown stowage position and one in the Fig. 1. This means that the stop element 18 is attached to the charging socket 16, which can at least partially guide the charging plug 12 safely when plugged into the charging socket 16.

[0030] In the stowed position (not shown), the stop element 18 is in a position in which it is stowed, for example, within a housing of the charging socket 16, preventing the charging plug 12 from being guided. This means that no stop is provided on the stop element 18 to simplify subsequent insertion into the charging socket 16.

[0031] In the Fig. In the stop position shown in Figure 1, the stop element 18 is shown in a further position, in which it provides the charging plug 12 with a stop surface 28, onto which the charging plug 12 can be placed by the robot arm of the charging robot. By placing the charging plug 12 on the stop element 18 or by stopping a movement of the charging plug 12 in the direction of the charging socket 16, a positioning aid is intended to be provided for the robot arm.

[0032] The stop element 18 has a bowl-shaped geometry, which is particularly suitable for supporting a cylindrical geometry of a housing region 24 of a housing 26 of the charging plug 12. The bowl-shaped geometry partially encloses the cylindrical geometry and thus offers additional stability, whereby corresponding geometries of the stop element 18 to the enclosing housing region 24 of the housing 26 of the charging plug 12 are also possible. One possible bowl-shaped geometry is a hemispherical depression or recess embedded in a larger support surface. The cylindrical geometry can then simply be placed in the depression and rests securely on the concave surface of the stop element 18, which is designed, for example, as a support tray.

[0033] It is provided that a stop element 18 for the charging plug 12 arranged on the charging socket 16 can be folded out at least partially about an axis A relative to the charging socket 16 in the direction of the charging plug 12 to be inserted. In other words, the stop element 18 for the charging plug 12 arranged on the charging socket 16 can be folded out at least partially about its own axis A relative to the charging socket 16 in the direction of the charging plug 12 to be inserted into the Fig. 1. The stop element 18 has the stop surface 28, on which a corresponding partial area, namely the housing area 24 of the housing 26 of the charging plug 12, can be placed. In particular, the stop surface 28 is concave towards the charging plug 12. In particular, the stop element 18 can be folded out into the stop position by a predetermined angle. In particular, the stop element 18 can be folded forward essentially by a right angle relative to a contact surface of the charging socket 16. For example, the charging socket has a damping element or intercepting element (not shown) below the stop element 18, by means of which further rotation beyond the predetermined angle is blocked and / or dampened.

[0034] One possible arrangement consists of the stop element 18, which is attached to a hinge or joint and can be folded out about an axis A. When the charging plug 12 is inserted into the charging socket 16, the stop element 18 folds out and guides the charging plug 12 safely into the charging socket 16. As soon as the charging plug 12 is fully inserted, the stop element 18 folds back into its original position, namely the stowed position, for example; alternatively, the adjustment to the stowed position is only carried out after the charging process.

[0035] Furthermore, it is provided that the stop element 18, which can also be used as a guide element for guiding the charging plug 12 and / or an alignment element for aligning the charging plug 12 relative to the charging socket 16, has a stop surface 28 corresponding to a housing area 24 of a housing 26 of the charging plug 12, along which the charging plug 12 can be inserted into the charging socket 16. Furthermore, an adjusting device 20 for folding out and / or extending the stop element 18 is arranged on the charging socket 16. The adjusting device 20 can be controlled at least partially automatically by means of an electronic computing device 30.

[0036] Furthermore, the adjustment device 20 is designed to detect an incorrect position during the plugging process and to transmit a corresponding signal to the electronic computing device 30. The electronic computing device 30, on the other hand, is designed, for example, to adjust the stop element 18 back to its original position or into the stowed position depending on the corresponding signal and to transmit another signal to repeat the plugging process.

[0037] In other words, it is provided that the stop element 18 for the charging plug 12 arranged on the charging socket 16 can be folded out at least partially about an axis A relative to the charging socket 16 in the direction of the charging plug 12 to be inserted. The stop element 18 has the stop surface 28, on which a corresponding portion of the charging plug 12 can be placed, in particular the stop surface 28 is designed to be concave towards the charging plug 12, wherein an at least partially cylindrical design of the charging plug 12 can be placed on the corresponding semi-cylindrical stop surface 28, the stop element 18. In particular, the stop element 18 is designed in a Fig. 1, in which the stop element 18 can be folded by a predetermined angle relative to the charging socket 16, in particular by an angle at which the stop surface 28 is folded forward relative to the charging socket 16 so far that the charging plug 12 can be inserted into the charging socket 16 along the stop surface 28. In particular, the stop element 18 should be designed as a guide means for inserting the charging plug 12 into the charging socket 16, whereby the stop element 18 can be folded forward essentially by a right angle relative to an insertion surface of the charging socket 16. For example, the charging socket 16 has below the stop element 18 a Fig. 1 invisible intercepting element, by means of which further rotation beyond the specified angle is blocked and / or dampened. In particular, the robot arm is provided with additional assistance to make the plug connection 10 faster and more efficient, for example, to use the plug connection more gently and to enable a faster electrical connection for faster charging.

[0038] Furthermore, it is possible for the stop element 18 to be designed as a guide element having a stop surface corresponding to a housing region of a housing of the charging plug, along which the charging plug 12 can be inserted into the charging socket 16. In this case, the charging plug 12 has at least one opening into which the stop element designed as a guide element can be inserted, thereby creating the plug connection 10. In this case, it is provided that the stop element 18 remains in the stop position during the plugging process and while the motor vehicle is being charged, after which the opening provided for this purpose or the space required for this purpose is provided within the charging plug. The stop element 18 can only be folded back and / or retracted when the plug connection is not in use. This results in a particularly advantageous storage space for the charging plug, which is also provided when the charging plug is unplugged.

[0039] Fig. Figure 2 shows a further top view of a further embodiment of the plug connection 10. The stop element 18 of the charging socket 16 can be extended for the charging plug 12 essentially linearly relative to the charging socket 16 in the direction of the charging plug 12 to be inserted. The stop element 18 is made of a material with a low coefficient of friction; in particular, the stop element 18 is made of a plastic.

[0040] It is provided that the stop element 18 for the charging plug 12 can be extended essentially linearly into the stop position. For an improved plugging process, the stop element 18 of the charging socket 16 for the charging plug 12 can be extended essentially linearly relative to the charging socket 16 in the direction of the charging plug 12 to be inserted. The linear extension of the stop element 18 is provided to guide the charging plug 12 securely into the charging socket 16 and also to prevent it from moving sideways or becoming damaged, as with the fold-out stop element 18. One possible arrangement for this embodiment consists of the stop element 18 being arranged in a guide rail or groove on the charging socket 16.When the charging plug 12 is to be inserted into the charging socket 16, the stop element 18 is extended linearly along the guide rail or groove and is positioned accordingly to guide the charging plug 12 securely into the charging socket 16. A further advantage of a linearly extendable stop element 18 is that it can be retracted when not in use, for example, to save space. Overall, the linear extension of the stop element 18 can be a simple and effective way to facilitate the insertion process of a charging plug 12 and, at the same time, to extend the service life of the charging plug 12. For example, a continuous extension can also be provided here, which extends the stop element 18 into the stop position, thereby enabling the charging plug 12 to be placed on the stop surface.

[0041] In other words, for an improved plugging process, the stop element 18 of the charging socket 16 for the charging plug 12 can be extended essentially linearly relative to the charging socket 16 in the direction of the charging plug 12 to be inserted. As an alternative to folding out the stop element 18, the extension of the stop element 18 is provided here, wherein a linear movement relative to the charging socket 16 is provided for this purpose. In particular, the stop element 18 should accordingly already be extendable essentially at a right angle to the plug-in surface of the charging socket 16. For example, a continuous extension can also be provided here, which extends the stop element 18 into the stop position, thereby enabling the charging plug 12 to be placed on the stop surface 28.

[0042] In other words, the invention describes a redesign of the charging socket 16 for fully automated charging with an arranged stop element 18. List of reference symbols 10 plug connection 12 charging plugs 14 Underbody area 15 page area 16 charging socket 18 Stop element 20 Adjustment device 24 Housing area 26 housings 28 Stop surface 30 electronic computing device A axis

Claims

[1] Charging socket (16) for an electrically driven motor vehicle, into which a charging plug (12) can be inserted to form a plug connection (10) for charging an energy storage device of the motor vehicle, wherein a stop element (18) for the charging plug (12) is arranged on the charging socket (16), which stop element can be displaced between a stowed position and a stop position characterized by that in the stop position, the charging plug (12) can be held in a vertical position relative to a contact surface of the plug connection (10) by means of the stop element (18) and can be guided into the charging socket (16) along the stop surface of the stop element (18). [2] Charging socket (16) according to claim 1, characterized by that the stop element (18) for the charging plug (12) can be folded out into the stop position about an axis (A) relative to the charging socket (16). [3] Charging socket (16) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized bythat the stop element (18) for the charging plug (12) can be extended substantially linearly into the stop position. [4] Charging socket (16) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that an adjusting device (20) for folding out and / or extending the stop element (18) is arranged on the charging socket (16). [5] Charging socket (16) according to claim 4, characterized by that the adjusting device (20) can be controlled at least partially automatically by means of an electronic computing device (30). [6] Charging socket (16) according to claim 5, characterized by that the adjusting device (20) is designed to detect an incorrect position during the plugging process and to transmit a corresponding signal to the electronic computing device (30). [7] Charging socket (16) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the stop element (18) is made of a material with a low coefficient of friction. [8] Charging plug (12) for charging an electrically driven motor vehicle, wherein for charging an energy storage device of the motor vehicle, the charging plug (12) can be plugged into a charging socket (16) of the motor vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 7, forming a plug connection (10), wherein the charging plug (12) has a housing (26) with an outer peripheral housing area (24), wherein the geometry of the housing area (24) is designed to correspond to a stop element (18) of the charging socket (16) characterized by that in a stop position by means of the stop element (18) the charging plug (12) can be held in a position vertical to a contact surface of the plug connection (10) and can be guided along the stop surface of the stop element (18) into the charging socket (16). [9] Plug connection (10) for an electrically driven motor vehicle with a charging socket (16) according to one of claims 1 to 7 and a charging plug (12), wherein the charging plug (12) can be stopped on a stop element (18) of the charging socket (16) and can be plugged into the charging socket (16) along the stop element (18). characterized by that the charging plug (12) can be held in a position vertical to a contact surface of the plug connection (10) and can be guided into the charging socket (16) along the stop surface of the stop element (18). [10] Method for charging an electrically driven motor vehicle, in which a charging plug (12) is plugged into a charging socket (16) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 7, wherein a stop element (18) for the charging plug (12) is provided on the charging socket (16), which stop element is displaced between a stowed position and a stop position, characterized bythat in the stop position, the charging plug (12) is held in a vertical position to a contact surface of the plug connection (10) by means of the stop element (18) and is inserted into the charging socket (16) along the stop surface of the stop element (18).

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